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Sam J, Pastrak M, Duda L, Vladicic N, Vrooman B, Ma F, Khandwalla F, Abd-ElSayed A, Catapano M, McGilvray S, Khan JS, Visnjevac O. Clinical Radiofrequency Ablation Outcomes of Combined Sensory Nerve Branch and Dorsal Entry Root Zone Complex Lesions for Sacroiliac Joint Complex Pain. Adv Ther 2022; 39:3539-3546. [PMID: 35678997 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02183-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic lower back pain (LBP) with or without leg pain (LP) is the most commonly reported anatomical site of pain among Canadian adults with chronic pain. A common cause for LBP and LP arises from dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) complex. When conventional medical management or rehabilitative efforts for SIJ-related LBP and LP fail to provide analgesia, pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and/or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the dorsal entry root zone complex lesions (DREZC) and/or their more peripheral branches can also be a suitable means for treatment. Both PRF and RFA are interventional techniques that utilize heat to attenuate or ablate transmission of painful signals, respectively. The purpose of this chart review is to explore the clinical outcomes of patients experiencing SIJ-related pain who have undergone procedures with combined sensory nerve branch RFA and DREZC PRF lesions targeting the SIJ complex. METHODS Following institutional review board approval, a retrospective chart review was performed from June 2018 to February 2021 for patients with LBP and/or LP refractory to physical rehabilitative efforts and medical management that underwent combined PRF and RF treatments for a diagnosis of SIJ complex pain. RF and PRF procedures were anatomically guided with the addition of sensory stimulation to ensure appropriate needle placement. Charts were reviewed for percentage of analgesia at final follow-up, duration of effect, degree of analgesia, patients' functional improvements, and changes in medication use patterns. RESULTS Data was reviewed from 180 patients with LBP or LP who underwent combined PRF and RF treatments for a diagnosis of SIJ complex pain. The group consisted of 69 men and 111 women with a mean age of 59 years. All patients had lesions to their dorsal roots and/or branches (lumbar medial and sacral lateral), as determined using their pain profile as well as sensory stimulation. In the sample of 180 patients a total of 276 SIJs were treated over the period of data collection. Overall, 85.0% (n = 234) of procedures were considered successful with more than 50% analgesic relief at final follow-up. Of 234 successful outcomes, 110 reported ongoing analgesia (mean = 80.3% pain relief, SD ± 18.0) on the last date of follow up (mean = 53.2 days, SD ± 41.8) prior to being lost to follow-up. For patients not lost to follow-up, the mean amount of analgesia was reported to be 83.9% with an average duration of 86.3 days. Among all treatments, 6.9% (n = 19) provided no analgesic effect. Among the successful procedure outcomes, 54.4% (n = 150) reported increased activity/mobility, 24.3% (n = 67) reported improved sleep, 49.3% (n = 136) reported improved mood, and 11.6% (n = 32) reported decreased medication usage. Nine patients reported complications following the procedure. Complications included transient soreness, bruising, tenderness, myofascial pain, and two mild vagal responses without lasting sequelae. CONCLUSION This review suggests that combined sensory nerve branch RFA and DREZC PRF lesions targeting the SIJ complex is a suitable intervention to treat SIJ-related LBP and/or LP refractory to physical rehabilitative efforts and medical management. Approximately 85% of these cases were successfully treated with the majority of patients report lasting analgesic effects with minimal complications, supporting the use of sensory stimulation-guided combined RF and PRF lesions for treatment of refractory SIJ complex pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Sam
- Pinnacle Health Sciences Centre Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Nikola Vladicic
- St. George's University School of Medicine, True Blue, Grenada
| | - Bruce Vrooman
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Centre, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | | | - Alaa Abd-ElSayed
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Michael Catapano
- Bloor Pain Specialists, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Massachusetts General Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Ognjen Visnjevac
- Pinnacle Health Sciences Centre Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada.,McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Bloor Pain Specialists, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Cleveland Clinic Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Conger A, Burnham T, Salazar F, Tate Q, Golish M, Petersen R, Cunningham S, Teramoto M, Kendall R, McCormick ZL. The Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Ablation of Medial Branch Nerves for Chronic Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome in Patients Selected by Guideline-Concordant Dual Comparative Medial Branch Blocks. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 21:902-909. [PMID: 31609391 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnz248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although the effectiveness of lumbar medial branch radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of zygapophyseal joint (z-joint)-mediated low back pain has been characterized, few studies have described outcomes in patients selected using a guideline-concordant paradigm of ≥80% pain relief with dual comparative medial branch blocks (MBBs). We investigated long-term treatment outcomes of patients selected according to this paradigm. DESIGN Cross-sectional cohort study. METHODS The medical records of 111 consecutive patients were reviewed; 85 met inclusion criteria. A standardized telephone survey was used to capture current numerical rating scale (NRS) and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scores. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients reporting ≥50% reduction of index pain. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to explore associations between the primary outcome and covariates, including age, duration of pain, presence of scoliosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and >75% disc height loss. RESULTS At six to 12, 12-24, and >24 months, 63.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 41-85%), 65.6% (95% CI = 49-82%), and 44.1% (95% CI = 27-61%) of patients reported a ≥50% pain reduction (P = 0.170), respectively. At a minimum of six months, 70.6% of patients reported a pain reduction of two or more points (minimally clinically important change), and 54.1% reported a PGIC score consistent with "much improved" or better. Older age and a smaller Cobb angle were associated with a ≥50% pain reduction (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Lumbar medial branch RFA is an effective, durable treatment for a significant proportion of patients with recalcitrant lumbar z-joint pain when candidacy is determined by the guideline-concordant paradigm of ≥80% pain relief with dual comparative MBBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Conger
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Taylor Burnham
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Fabio Salazar
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Quinn Tate
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Mathew Golish
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Russell Petersen
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Shellie Cunningham
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Masaru Teramoto
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Richard Kendall
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Zachary L McCormick
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this narrative review, the current literature on therapeutic interventions for low back pain of facet joint etiology is assessed from an economic value perspective. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The efficacy and economics of facet joint interventions in the treatment of lumbar back pain is a controversial topic. Trends show that facet joint interventions are becoming increasingly used, perhaps as physicians become more averse to treating chronic low back pain with opioids. With the emphasis on value-based spine care and changing reimbursement models, the perspective of rigorously evaluating the outcomes these interventions provide and the costs they incur is particularly relevant. DISCUSSION Although the evidence is noted to be limited, most systematic reviews fail to demonstrate the therapeutic utility of intra-articular facet joint injections in low back pain because of high study heterogeneity. A few good quality studies and systematic reviews describe moderate evidence for the utilization of therapeutic medial branch blocks and radiofrequency neurotomies in alleviating facet joint pain. CONCLUSION Consequently, there is a need for high-quality cost-effectiveness studies for facet joint interventions so that evidence-based and economically viable solutions can be used to optimize patient care at a societally affordable price.
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Schneider BJ, Doan L, Maes MK, Martinez KR, Gonzalez Cota A, Bogduk N. Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Lumbar Medial Branch Thermal Radiofrequency Neurotomy, Stratified for Diagnostic Methods and Procedural Technique. PAIN MEDICINE 2020; 21:1122-1141. [DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnz349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
To determine the effectiveness of lumbar medial branch thermal radiofrequency neurotomy based on different selection criteria and procedural techniques.
Design
Comprehensive systematic review.
Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted, and all authors screened and evaluated the studies. The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system was used to assess all eligible studies.
Outcome Measures
The primary outcome measure assessed was the success rate of the procedure, defined by varying degrees of pain relief following neurotomy. Data are stratified by number of diagnostic blocks and degree of pain relief, as well as procedural technique with perpendicular or parallel placement of electrodes.
Results
Results varied by selection criteria and procedural technique. At six months, 26% of patients selected via single medial branch block with 50% pain relief and treated via perpendicular technique achieved at least 50% pain relief; 49% of patients selected via dual medial branch blocks with 50% pain relief and treated via parallel technique achieved at least 50% pain relief. The most rigorous patient selection and technique—two diagnostic medial branch blocks with 100% pain relief and parallel electrode placement—resulted in 56% of patients experiencing 100% relief of pain at six months.
Conclusions
This comprehensive systematic review found differences in the effectiveness of lumbar medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy when studies were stratified by patient selection criteria and procedural technique. The best outcomes are achieved when patients are selected based on high degrees of pain relief from dual medial branch blocks with a technique employing parallel electrode placement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byron J Schneider
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lisa Doan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care, and Pain Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marc K Maes
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Clinic, A.Z. Jan Portaels, Vilvoorde, Belgium, Rugpoli Brabant/Kliniek, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Nikolai Bogduk
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
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McCormick ZL, Marshall B, Walker J, McCarthy R, Walega DR. Long-Term Function, Pain and Medication Use Outcomes of Radiofrequency Ablation for Lumbar Facet Syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 2. [PMID: 26005713 PMCID: PMC4440581 DOI: 10.23937/2377-4630/2/2/1028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the medial branch nerves for facet-mediated low back pain demonstrates clinical benefit for 6–12 months and possibly up to 2 years. This study investigated function, pain, and medication use outcomes of RFA for lumbar facet syndrome in a cohort with long-term follow-up. Methods Individuals evaluated in a tertiary academic pain practice between January, 2007–December, 2013, 18–60 years of age, with a clinical and radiologic diagnosis of lumbar facet syndrome, who underwent ≥1set of diagnostic medial branch blocks with resultant >75% pain relief and subsequent RFA were included. Outcomes measured were the proportion of individuals who reported ≥50% improvement in function, ≥50% improvement in pain; change in median NRS pain score, daily morphine equivalent consumption (DME), Medication Quantification Scale III (MSQ III) score and procedure complications. Results Sixty-two consecutive individuals with a median age and 25%–75% interquartile range (IQR) of 34 years (35, 52) met inclusion criteria. Seven individuals were lost to follow-up. Duration of pain was <2 years in 42%, 2–5 years in 40%, >5 years in 18% of individuals. Median duration of follow-up was 39 months (16, 60). Function and pain improved by ≥50% in 58% (CI 45%, 71%) and 53% (CI 40%, 66%) of individuals, respectively. The median reduction in MQS III score was 3.4 points (0, 8.8). No complications occurred in this cohort. Conclusions This study demonstrates a durable treatment effect of RFA for lumbar facet syndrome at long-term follow-up, as measured by improvement in function, pain, and analgesic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary L McCormick
- The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago/Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, USA
| | - Benjamin Marshall
- The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago/Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, USA
| | - Jeremy Walker
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, USA
| | - Robert McCarthy
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, USA
| | - David R Walega
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, USA
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Smuck M, Crisostomo RA, Trivedi K, Agrawal D. Success of initial and repeated medial branch neurotomy for zygapophysial joint pain: a systematic review. PM R 2013; 4:686-92. [PMID: 22980421 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2012.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Revised: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review the duration of pain relief after initial and repeated radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) for cervical and lumbar zygapophysial joint pain. METHODS We searched PubMed to identify all articles that met review criteria for in-depth analysis, synthesis, and review. RESULTS Data from 16 articles are reported in this review, including 8 cervical studies, 7 lumbar studies, and 1 study of both cervical and lumbar treatment. Overall, methodology and design quality of cervical studies exceeded that of lumbar studies. For initial cervical RFN, average range duration of >50% pain relief was 7.3-8.6 months. Repeated cervical RFN was successful 67%-95% of the time when the first RFN procedure was successful. When the first RFN procedure was unsuccessful, repeated RFN was successful 0%-67% of the time. The average range duration of pain relief after successful repeated RFN was 6.0-12.7 months. For initial lumbar RFN, the average duration of >50% pain relief was 9.0 months. Repeated lumbar RFN was successful 33%-85% of the time when the first RFN procedure was successful. The average duration of pain relief after successful repeated lumbar RFN was 11.6 months. CONCLUSIONS The results of this review indicate that pain relief after initial RFN generally ends after 7-9 months and that repeating RFN is likely to provide additional pain relief if initial RFN was successful. Results are similar between cervical and lumbar spine studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Smuck
- PM&R Section, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University Spine Center, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
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Son JH, Kim SD, Kim SH, Lim DJ, Park JY. The efficacy of repeated radiofrequency medial branch neurotomy for lumbar facet syndrome. J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2010; 48:240-3. [PMID: 21082052 DOI: 10.3340/jkns.2010.48.3.240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2010] [Revised: 08/17/2010] [Accepted: 09/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Radiofrequency (RF) medial branch neurotomy is an effective management of lumbar facet syndrome. However, pain may recur after period of time. When pain recurs, it can be repeated, but the successful outcome and duration of relief from repeated procedures are not clearly known. The objective of this study was to determine the success rate and duration of pain relief from repeated radiofrequency medial branch neurotomy for lumbar facet syndrome. METHODS A retrospective review of medical records was done on 60 consecutive patients, from March of 2006 to February of 2009, who had an initial successful RF neurotomy but subsequently underwent repeated procedures due to recurrence of pain. All procedures were done in carefully selected patients after at least two responsive medial branch nerve blocks. C-arm fluoroscopic guide, impedance, sensory and motor threshold monitoring tools were used for the precise placement of electrodes. Responses of repeated procedures were compared with initial radiofrequency neurotomy for success rates and duration of pain relief. RESULTS There were 48 females and 12 males. Mean age was 52.4 years (range, 26-83). RF medial branch neurotomy was done on one side in 38 and both sides in 22 patients, each covering at least three segments. Average visual analog scale at last procedure was 6.8. Twelve patients had previous lumbar operations, including 4 patients with instrumentations. Fifty-five patients had two procedures and five patients had three procedures. Mean duration of successful pain relief (> 50% of previous pain for at least 3 months period) after initial radiofrequency neurotomy was 10.9 months (range, 3-28) in 51 (85%) patients. From repeated procedures, successful pain relief was seen in 50 (91%) patients with average duration of 10.2 months (range, 3-24). Five patients had third procedure, which was successful in 4 (80%) patients with mean duration of 9.8 months (range, 5-16). This was not statistically different from initial results. There were no permanent neurological complications from the procedures. CONCLUSION Results of this study indicate that the frequency of success and durations of relief from repeated RF medial branch neurotomy for lumbar facet syndrome are similar to initial results that provided relatively prolonged period of pain relief without major side effects. Each procedure seems to provide successful pain relief for about 10 months in more than 85% of carefully selected patients when properly done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hee Son
- Department of Neurosurgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University School of Medicine, Ansan, Korea
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Choi BI, Kweon TD, Park KB, Lee YW. Short Term Outcomes and Prognostic Factors Based on Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation on Lumbar Medial Branches. Korean J Pain 2007. [DOI: 10.3344/kjp.2007.20.2.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Byung In Choi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Dong Kweon
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Bae Park
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Youn-Woo Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Yul Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea.
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