Targeted Radiofrequency Ablation as an Adjunct in Treatment of Lumbar Facet Cysts

Lumbar facet cysts are frequently found in patients with facet degeneration and segmental instability. When the facet cyst is localized in the neural foramina and lateral recess or becomes large, it can cause radiculopathy or neurogenic claudication. These symptomatic cysts are typically treated interventionally with drainage and a corticosteroid injection or attempts via overinflation to rupture the cyst; however, these procedures have a significant recurrence rate (up to 50%) and often need to be repeated or lead to lumbar surgery if unsuccessful.   This is the first report of using targeted radiofrequency (RF) current as an adjunct to cyst drainage. Although RF has been used for years to treat facet pain indirectly by targeting the medial facet nerve branches, with this technique, under image guidance, the actual cyst is percutaneously drained and then cauterized along with the associated facet capsule, where the original cyst developed. This has improved overall results with less cyst recurrence than previous percutaneous methods and was documented with both intermediate and long-term followup clinically and with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. This report reviews the underlying anatomy and pathology of the facet joint relating to the development of facet cysts and how current percutaneous treatments for lumbar facet cysts can be supplemented and improved by adding targeted RF ablation to the percutaneous options available to treat a lumbar facet cyst.