ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the clinical effects and safety of radiofrequency thermocoagulation combined with ozone injection in the treatment of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Methods A total of 58 patients suffered from FBSS were treated with radiofrequency thermocoagulation and ozone injection from October 2006 to December 2012.The changes of lumbar and leg functions were observed .The evaluation of clinical efficacy was made by visual analogue scale ( VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) at one week, one month, three months, six months, and twelve months postoperatively , respectively. Results The operation was successfully completed in all the 58 patients , without serious complications .All the cases were followed for one year .The ODI was 20.3 ±3.1 at the last follow-up, which was significantly lower than that before operation (79.8 ±2.6, t=96.871, P=0.000).The VAS of back pain was (7.6 ±0.4) points preoperatively and (3.1 ±0.2) points at the last follow-up, which also showed statistical significance (t=45.206, P=0.000).According to the modified MacNab criteria, clinical outcomes showed excellent in 18 cases and good in 23 cases, with an excellent and good rate of operation being 70.7% (41/58). Conclusion Treatment of FBSS by using radiofrequency thermocoagulation and ozone injection is an effective option .