The Significance of Multifidus Atrophy After Successful Radiofrequency Neurotomy for Low Back Pain

Abstract

This preliminary study provides evidence that successful medial branch RFN for lumbar zygapophysial-mediated pain does cause initial denervation but no discernable segmental atrophy of the multifidus at long-term follow-up. Previous denervation and diffuse atrophy in these subjects was not associated with pain.