NCT05818774

End-on Versus Parallel Radiofrequency Lesioning for Neurotomy of the Cervical Medial Branch Nerves

A Prospective, Randomized, Double Blind Clinical Trial Comparing End-on Versus Parallel Radiofrequency Lesioning for Neurotomy of the Cervical Medial Branch Nerves: The EndPaRL Study

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 72 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 85 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Aim of the EndPaRL study is to compare the efficacy and effectiveness of the two techniques utilizing sharp straight conventional radiofrequency needle with a trident needle for radiofrequency neurotomy of Cervical Medial Branch Nerves (CMBNs), in patients presenting with chronic, moderate-to-severe, neck pain due to cervical zygapophyseal joint osteoarthritis, as diagnosed by positive responses to two consecutive diagnostic blocks with local anesthetic of the CMBN.

Conditions

• Neck Pain
• Zygapophyseal Joint Arthritis

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) of Cervical Medial Branch Nerves (CMBNn) with parallel lesioning	Intervention type: RF nerve lesioning at 80-85 degree Celsius for 90 seconds Intervention name: Straight sharp conventional (SIS's technique) Intervention description: Technique as described in the SIS Practice Guidelines for parallel lesioning cannulae placement
PROCEDURE	Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) of Cervical Medial Branch Nerves (CMBNn) with end-on lesioning with multitined trident cannulae	Intervention type: RF nerve lesioning lesioning at 80-850 Celsius for 90 seconds Intervention name: End-on placement of the multitined trident cannulae Intervention description: Patient in lateral position, targeting joint position between the inferior C2 and superior C3 facets, the middle of the facet pillars for the third to fifth cervical levels, and the superior part of the sixth and seventh cervical facets.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-03-10
• Primary completion: 2027-12-01
• Completion: 2028-03-01
• First posted: 2023-04-19
• Last updated: 2026-01-16

Locations

3 sites across 2 countries: Canada, Spain