Comparative Study of Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound and Radiofrequency Ablation for Treatment of Facet-joint Osteoarthritis Low Back Pain
This is a prospective, randomized, two-arm, phase II study. The purpose of this study is: * To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treatment of facet-joint osteoarthritis low back pain. * Determining the effect of the MRgFUS System and RFA for improving functional disabilities and in reducing pain resulting from facet-joint osteoarthritis low back pain. Efficacy will be determined by the level of pain relief (as measured by the Numerical Rating Scale, NRS), decrease in analgesics/opiate, improved quality of life (as measured by the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, ODQ, and core outcome measures index questionnaire, COMI), pain interference with function (as measured by the Brief Pain Inventory-Interference scale, BPI-QoL), general health status (as measured by the EQ5D), physical exam, X-ray and MRI studies from baseline up to 12-Months post- MRgFUS and radiofrequency treatment. * Evaluate incidence and severity of adverse events associated with the MRgFUS system and RFA used for the treatment of pain resulting from facet-joint osteoarthritis low back pain.
• Men and women age 20 to 79 years old
• Suffering from lumbar vertebral facet joint syndrome.
• Lower back pain at least six months (NRS≥4).
• Conventional treatment of pain includes NSAIDs, opioids, muscle relaxants, oral steroids, physical therapy or chiropractic therapy.
• Imaging of the spine have facet osteoarthritis.
• Referred pain is no more below the knee.
• At least once when local anesthesia or diagnostic medial nerve branch injection, pain reduction\> 75% (0.5ml of 2% lidocaine).