Overview
The purpose of the study is to understand the composition of the nerves supplying the facet joints in low back.
Description
After written informed consent, the nerves supplying the facet joints - lumbar dorsal rami and its medial branches, will be harvested when they are exposed during spinal surgery. These nerves will be fixed, washed and further dissected to enable smaller sections. The cut section will be stained and subjected to analysis of overall cross-sectional area and presence of connective tissue sheaths under light microscope.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Be aged 18 or over
- be able to give informed consent
- scheduled to undergo lumbar spinal surgery
Exclusion Criteria:
- Children under 18 years old
- Vulnerable adults
- Adults with incapacity
- Inability to provide informed consent
- History of previous spinal surgery
- history of previous RF ablation for low back pain
- has COVID-19 or displaying symptoms of COVID-19