A Comparative Study of Radiofrequency Ablation and Steroid Injection Therapy for Lumbar Facet Joint Pain: Clinical Efficacy and Outcomes

BACKGROUND: Lumbar facet joint pain is a common cause of chronic low back pain and contributes substantially to physical disability, reduced functional capacity, and socioeconomic burden. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and steroid injection therapy are widely used interventional procedures for managing facet-mediated pain, yet their comparative effectiveness in routine clinical practice remains an area of ongoing investigation. AIM: To compare the clinical efficacy, functional outcomes, and duration of pain relief achieved with RFA versus steroid injection therapy in patients with lumbar facet joint pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective comparative study included 132 adult patients with lumbar facet joint pain diagnosed on clinical evaluation and confirmatory medial branch block. Patients were allocated into two groups: RFA group (n = 66) and steroid injection group (n = 66). Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for function, and duration of pain relief over a 6-month follow-up period. Adverse events and the need for repeat interventions were also documented. Statistical analysis included paired and unpaired t-tests, Chi-square test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated significant short-term improvement in VAS and ODI scores; however, the RFA group showed greater reduction in pain intensity and functional disability at 3 and 6 months. The proportion of patients achieving sustained pain relief and the mean duration of clinically meaningful benefit were higher in the RFA group than in the steroid injection group. Minor transient complications were observed in both groups, with no major adverse events or procedure-related neurological deficits. CONCLUSION: RFA provides superior long-term pain relief and functional improvement compared with steroid injection therapy for lumbar facet joint pain. RFA may be considered a more durable and effective interventional option in patients with chronic facet-mediated lumbar pain.