# Clinical Predictors of Ultrasound-Guided Cervical Medial Branch Pulsed Radiofrequency Outcomes: A Cohort Study

## TL;DR

This study identifies clinical factors that predict successful outcomes for a specific pain treatment in patients with chronic neck pain.

## Contribution

The study identifies four new clinical predictors for successful pulsed radiofrequency treatment in cervical facet joint pain.

## Key findings

- The success rate of the treatment was 35.2% at 6 months.
- Paraspinal tenderness, shorter pain duration, and lower baseline pain and disability predicted treatment success.
- Early referral and careful selection improve treatment outcomes for cervical facet joint pain.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Cervical facet joints are a common source of chronic neck pain, yet factors predicting treatment response to pulsed radiofrequency remain poorly defined. This study aimed to identify predictors of treatment success following ultrasound-guided cervical medial branch pulsed radiofrequency in patients with chronic cervical facet joint pain. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 54 patients with chronic cervical facet joint pain who had positive response to diagnostic block. Pain intensity and functional disability were assessed at baseline and at 1-, 3-, and 6-months post-procedure, with treatment success defined as ≥50% pain reduction at 6 months. Results: The success rate was 35.2%, and multivariate logistic regression identified four independent predictors: presence of paraspinal tenderness on physical examination, shorter pain duration, lower baseline pain intensity, and lower baseline disability. Conclusions: These findings suggest that patients with localized facet joint pathology manifesting as paraspinal tenderness, shorter symptom duration, and lower baseline severity are most likely to benefit from this intervention, supporting early referral and careful clinical selection to optimize treatment outcomes.