Efficacy of Radiofrequency Nucleoplasty and Targeted Disc Decompression in Lumbar Radiculopathy

The Comparison of the Efficacy of Radiofrequency Nucleoplasty and Targeted Disc Decompression in Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Retrospective Review

Status

Completed

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Observational

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT02025283

Acronym

RFNaTDD

Enrollment

Registered

2014-01-01

Start date

2010-01-31

Completion date

2012-12-31

Last updated

2014-01-01

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Pain Measurement, Visual Analogue Pain Scale

Keywords

Intervertebral disc disease, Radiculopathy, Chronic pain, Thermocoagulation

Brief summary

The aim of this study is to compare early and long term efficacy of lumbar radiofrequency nucleoplasty and targeted disc decompression in patients with lumbar radiculopathy who failed previous conventional therapy. Medical records of 37 patients undergoing targeted disc decompression, 36 patients undergoing lumbar radiofrequency nucleoplasty were retrospectively examined.Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Functional Rating Index, Backache index, Oswestry Lumbar Back Pain Disability Index, Rolland-Morris Lumbar Back Pain Questionnaire scales were used before treatment and 1,6,12 months after the procedure. North American Spine Society Satisfaction Scale was used at 12th month after the procedure.

Interventions

PROCEDUREGroup Decompression or Group Nucleoplasty

Group Decompression: Decompression with flexible intradiscal decompression catheter (SpineCATH®, Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN) Group Nucleoplasty: Nucleoplasty with radiofrequency-compatible needle (Coblation: Perc DLE SpineWandTM \[ArthroCare Spine, Sunnyvale, CA\]

Study design

Observational model

CASE_CONTROL

Time perspective

RETROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

35 Years to 60 Years

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

* patients having radicular pain with or without low back pain for at least 6 weeks inspite of conservative treatment who have unsequestrated, bulging, protruded or extruded hernia confirmed with MRI.

Exclusion criteria

* patients having a more than 50% loss in disc area, sequestrated disc, the presence of vertebra fracture or tumor, the patients having spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Decrease in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)	12 months

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
More than 50% procedure-related patient satisfaction ratio in North American Spine Society Satisfaction Scale	12 months

Other

Measure	Time frame
Decrease in Numerical Rating Scale	12 months
Decrease in Functional Rating Index	12 months

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026