Factors determining the success of radiofrequency denervation in lumbar facet joint pain: a prospective study

Chronic pain for rheumatological disorders: Pathophysiology, therapeutics and evidence

Pain is the leading reason people seek orthopedic and rheumatological care. By definition, most pain can be classified as nociceptive, or pain resulting from non-neural tissue injury or potential injury, with between 15% and 50% of individuals suffering from concomitant neuropathic pain or the newest category of pain, nociplastic pain, defined as "pain arising from altered nociception despite no clear evidence of actual or threatened tissue damage, or of a disease or lesion affecting the somatosensory system." Pain classification is important because it affects treatment decisions at all levels of care. Although several instruments can assist with classifying treatment, physician designation is the reference standard. The appropriate treatment of pain should ideally involve multidisciplinary care including physical therapy, psychotherapy and integrative therapies when appropriate, and pharmacotherapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for acute, mechanical pain, membrane stabilizers for neuropathic and nociplastic pain, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants for all types of pain. For nonsurgical interventions, there is evidence to support a small effect for epidural steroid injections for an intermediate-term duration, and conflicting evidence for radiofrequency ablation to provide at least 6months of benefit for facet joint pain, knee osteoarthritis, and sacroiliac joint pain. Since pain and disability represent the top reason for elective surgery, it should be reserved for patients who fail conservative interventions. Risk factors for procedural failure are the same as risk factors for conservative treatment failure and include greater disease burden, psychopathology, opioid use, central sensitization and multiple comorbid pain conditions, poorly controlled preoperative and postoperative pain, and secondary gain.

Novel Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of the Epicondylar Branch of the Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of the Forearm for Recalcitrant Lateral Epicondylosis

This report describes a novel technique for the treatment of recalcitrant lateral epicondylosis (LE) by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the epicondylar branch of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm (PCNF-BrEpi). Here, we describe two patients suffering from recalcitrant LE who were treated with ultrasound-guided RFA of the PCNF-BrEpi in the outpatient pain clinic setting. Patient follow-up was made at eight weeks, five months, and seven months. Numerical pain rating (NPR) for pain and Upper Extremity Functional Index-15 (UEFI-15) were obtained at baseline and at each of the follow-ups. Both patients reported significant improvement in their pain and function quickly. RFA may be a viable treatment option for recalcitrant LE. Larger comparative trials and further investigation are needed to establish results in comparison to conventional treatments and to validate RFA as a treatment option in recalcitrant LE.

3. Pain originating from the lumbar facet joints

INTRODUCTION

Pain originating from the lumbar facets can be defined as pain that arises from the innervated structures comprising the joint: the subchondral bone, synovium, synovial folds, and joint capsule. Reported prevalence rates range from 4.8% to over 50% among patients with mechanical low back pain, with diagnosis heavily dependent on the criteria employed. In well-designed studies, the prevalence is generally between 10% and 20%, increasing with age.

METHODS

The literature on the diagnosis and treatment of lumbar facet joint pain was retrieved and summarized.

RESULTS

There are no pathognomic signs or symptoms of pain originating from the lumbar facet joints. The most common reported symptom is uni- or bilateral (in more advanced cases) axial low back pain, which often radiates into the upper legs in a non-dermatomal distribution. Most patients report an aching type of pain exacerbated by activity, sometimes with morning stiffness. The diagnostic value of abnormal radiologic findings is poor owing to the low specificity. SPECT can accurately identify joint inflammation and has a predictive value for diagnostic lumbar facet injections. After "red flags" are ruled out, conservatives should be considered. In those unresponsive to conservative therapy with symptoms and physical examination suggesting lumbar facet joint pain, a diagnostic/prognostic medial branch block can be performed which remains the most reliable way to select patients for radiofrequency ablation.

CONCLUSIONS

Well-selected individuals with chronic low back originating from the facet joints may benefit from lumbar medial branch radiofrequency ablation.

Radiofrequency Neurotomy Does Not Cause Fatty Degeneration of the Lumbar Paraspinal Musculature in Patients with Chronic Lumbar Pain-A Retrospective 3D-Computer-Assisted MRI Analysis Using iSix Software

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed (1) to analyze the relative paraspinal autochthonous intramuscular fat volume before and after radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) and (2) to compare it to the contralateral non-treated side.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern.

SUBJECTS

Twenty patients (59.60 ± 8.49 years; 55% female) with chronic low back pain, treated with RFN (L2/3-L5/S1) due to symptomatic facet joint syndrome (FCS) between 2008 and 2017 were included.

METHODS

All patients received a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine before and at a minimum of 6 months after RFN. The absolute (cm3) and relative (%) paraspinal muscle and fat volume was analyzed three-dimensionally on standard T2-MRI sequences using a newly developed software (iSix, Osiris plugin). Both sides were examined and allocated as treated or non-treated side.

RESULTS

A total of 31 treated and 9 non-treated sides (Level L2/3-L5/S1) were examined. There were no differences in the relative paraspinal intramuscular fat volume before and at a median of 1.4 [0.9 - 2.6] years after RFN (P = .726). We found no differences in the relative fat volume between the treated and non-treated side before (P = .481) and after (P = .578) RFN.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that there are no differences in the paraspinal muscle/fat distribution after RFN. RFN of the medial branches for FCS does not seem to cause fatty degeneration of the lumbar paraspinal muscles as a sign of iatrogenic muscle denervation.

Injectable amniotic membrane/umbilical cord particulate for facet joint syndrome: A retrospective, single-center study

BACKGROUND

Facet joint syndrome (FJS) pain is a significant contributor to back pain and has a high rate of opioid prescription. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of therapeutic options for these patients.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of amniotic membrane/umbilical cord particulate (AM/UC) in managing FJS pain.

METHODS

A single-center, investigator-initiated, retrospective study was performed on consecutive patients with FJS pain who received intra- or peri-articular injection of AM/UC between July 1, 2018 and July 26, 2019. Primary outcome was change in Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months to assess the self-reported percent improvement relative to baseline. Safety was assessed by AM/UC- and procedure-related complications. Paired t-tests were used to determine whether there is a statistically significant improvement of pain post-injection compared to baseline.

RESULTS

There were a total of 54 patients (69.7 ± 13.4 years; 31 female) presenting baseline pain score of 9.2 ± 1.0 despite prior treatments of activity modification (66.7%), NSAIDs (61.1%), opioids (37.0%), and physical therapy (35.2%). Mean GPIC improvement was 65.3%, 67.5%, 56.9%, and 56.7% among responders30, respectively. There were no complications.

CONCLUSION

This study supports the safety and effectiveness of AM/UC particulate injection in managing FJS pain.

Association Between Depressive Symptoms or Depression and Health Outcomes for Low Back Pain: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Study results vary on whether depressive symptoms are associated with worse prognosis for low back pain (LBP). We assessed the association between depressive symptoms or depression and health outcomes in persons with LBP.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO from inception to June 2020. Eligible studies were cohort and case-control studies assessing the association between depressive symptoms (questionnaires) or depression (diagnoses) and health outcomes in persons aged ≥16 years with LBP in the absence of major pathology. Reviewers independently screened articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. We classified exploratory versus confirmatory studies based on phases of prognostic factor investigation. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses and descriptive synthesis where appropriate.

RESULTS

Of 13,221 citations screened, we included 62 studies (63,326 participants; 61 exploratory studies, 1 confirmatory study). For acute LBP, depressive symptoms were associated with self-reported disability (descriptive synthesis: 6 studies), worse recovery (descriptive synthesis: 5 studies), and slower traffic injury-related claim closure (1 study), but not pain or work-related outcomes. Depressive symptoms were associated with greater primary healthcare utilization for acute LBP (1 confirmatory study). For chronic LBP, depressive symptoms were associated with higher pain intensity (descriptive synthesis: 9 studies; meta-analysis: 3 studies, 2902 participants, β=0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05-0.17), disability (descriptive synthesis: 6 studies; meta-analysis: 5 studies, 3549 participants, β=0.16, 95% CI 0.04-0.29), and worse recovery (descriptive synthesis: 2 studies; meta-analysis: 2 studies, 13,263 participants, relative risk (RR)=0.91, 95% CI 0.88-0.95), but not incident chronic widespread pain (1 study).

DISCUSSION

Depressive symptoms may be associated with self-reported disability and worse recovery in persons with acute and chronic LBP, and greater primary healthcare utilization for acute LBP. Our review provides high-quality prognostic factor information for LBP. Healthcare delivery that addresses depressive symptoms may improve disability and recovery in persons with LBP. Confirmatory studies are needed to assess the association between depressive symptoms and health outcomes in persons with LBP.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO database (CRD42019130047).

Latest Evidence-Based Application for Radiofrequency Neurotomy (LEARN): Best Practice Guidelines from the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN)

Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN), also known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), is a common interventional procedure used to treat pain from an innervated structure. RFN has historically been used to treat chronic facet-joint mediated pain. The use of RFN has more recently expanded beyond facet-joint mediated pain to peripherally innervated targets. In addition, there has also been the emergence of different radiofrequency modalities, including pulsed and cooled RFN. The use of RFN has been particularly important where conservative and/or surgical measures have failed to provide pain relief. With the emergence of this therapeutic option and its novel applications, the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) identified the need for formal evidence-based guidance. The authors formed a multidisciplinary work group tasked to examine the latest evidence-based medicine for the various applications of RFN, including cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine; posterior sacroiliac joint pain; hip and knee joints; and occipital neuralgia. Best practice guidelines, evidence and consensus grading were provided for each anatomical target.

Pain Relief Salvage with a Novel Minimally Invasive Posterior Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Device in Patients with Previously Implanted Pain Devices and Therapies

Background

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is a common cause of low back pain, a problem experienced by two-thirds of adults in the United States population. Traditionally, the management of persistent SIJ-related pain has involved conservative therapies (physical therapy, topical medications, oral anti-inflammatory medications), interventional therapies (SIJ steroid injections or ablation), and surgery (SIJ fusion; open and lateral approach). Recent advancements in technology have paved the way for SIJ fusion via a posterior approach, which aims to minimize complications and enhance recovery.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to introduce the concept of the posterior approach to SIJ fusion as a feasible adjunct and salvage technique for patients with inadequate pain relief from other minimally invasive surgical procedures, and to validate its efficacy through a retrospective multicenter data analysis.

Design

Multicenter retrospective observational study.

Methods

Patients with refractory SIJ pain were treated by interventional pain physicians at one of the eight different pain management centers. All patients underwent posterior SIJ fusion via the LinQ^TM sacroiliac fusion procedure. Demographical data were collected, in addition to patient-reported pain relief.

Results

A total of 111 patients were included in the study and underwent posterior SIJ fusion for refractory SIJ-related pain following the use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS), interspinous spacer (ISS), intrathecal drug delivery (IDDS), and/or minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD). Overall, the mean patient reported pain relief following posterior SIJ fusion was 67.6%. In patients with a history of failed back surgery syndrome, the mean patient reported pain relief was 76.5%.

Conclusion

In this retrospective case series of patients with continued intolerable pain following SCS, ISS, IDDS, or MILD, a novel posterior SIJ fusion device provided significant pain relief in a salvage manner. These early results suggest that this intervention may be a therapeutic option to consider in these patients.

[CT-guided pain management of specific low back pain : Disc impairment vs. osseous degeneration]

Hintergrund

Rückenschmerz ist häufig und führt den Patienten sowohl zur Diagnostik als auch in bestimmten Fällen für eine Therapie zum Radiologen.

Fragestellung

Die vorliegende Untersuchung vergleicht die schmerzreduzierende Wirkung der mikroinvasiven Computertomographie(CT)-gesteuerten Schmerztherapie bei diskogenem und spondylarthrotisch bedingtem spezifischem Rückenschmerz.

Material und Methode

Über einen Zeitraum von 3,3 Jahren wurden 239 Patienten in die Untersuchung eingeschlossen, bei denen 686 CT-gesteuerte periradikuläre Therapien (PRT) und 264 CT-gesteuerte Facettengelenktherapien (FAC) durchgeführt und beurteilt wurden. Bei allen Patienten wurde vor der Intervention, im Verlauf und am Ende der Schmerzscore mittels visueller analoger Schmerzskala (VAS) bestimmt. Abschließend wurde der Behandlungserfolg in Abhängigkeit von der durchgeführten Behandlungsart und den morphologisch vorliegenden Veränderungen korreliert.

Ergebnisse

In beiden Gruppen zeigte sich unter der Behandlung eine gute Beschwerdebesserung (74 % bei PRT-Patienten und 60 % bei FAC-Patienten). Die Patienten, bei denen eine PRT durchgeführt wurde, zeigten durchschnittlich eine Verbesserung des Schmerzscores von 3,1, bei Patienten mit durchgeführter FAC von 2,1. Die Wirksamkeit der FAC zeigte eine Abhängigkeit der Wirksamkeit vom Grad der vorhandenen degenerativen Veränderungen. Je ausgeprägter die nachgewiesene Degeneration im behandelten Segment war, desto mehr Interventionen waren für ein gutes Therapieansprechen notwendig.

Schlussfolgerung

Die CT-gesteuerte PRT und FAC führen beide zu einer guten Reduktion der Beschwerdesymptomatik. Im Vergleich erzielte die PRT eine signifikant höhere Schmerzreduktion als die FAC.

Waddell (Nonorganic) Signs and Their Association With Interventional Treatment Outcomes for Low Back Pain

BACKGROUND

The rising use of injections to treat low back pain (LBP) has led to efforts to improve selection. Nonorganic (Waddell) signs have been shown to portend treatment failure for surgery and other therapies but have not been studied for minimally invasive interventions.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated the association between Waddell signs and treatment outcome in 3 cohorts: epidural steroid injections (ESI) for leg pain and sacroiliac joint (SIJ) injections and facet interventions for LBP. Categories of Waddell signs included nonanatomic tenderness, pain during sham stimulation, discrepancy in physical examination, overreaction, and regional disturbances divulging from neuroanatomy. The primary outcome was change in patient-reported "average" numerical rating scale for pain intensity (average NRS-PI), modeled as a function of the number of Waddell signs using simple linear regression. Secondary outcomes included a binary indicator of treatment response. We conducted secondary and sensitivity analyses to account for potential confounders.

RESULTS

We enrolled 318 patients: 152 in the ESI cohort, 102 in the facet cohort, and 64 in the SIJ cohort, having sufficient data for primary analysis on 308 patients. Among these, 62% (n = 192) had no Waddell signs, 18% (n = 54) had 1 sign, 11% (n = 33) had 2, 5% (n = 16) had 3, 2% (n = 7) had 4, and about 2% (n = 6) had all 5 signs. The mean change in average NRS-PI in each of these 6 groups was -1.6 ± 2.6, -1.1 ± 2.7, -1.5 ± 2.5, -1.6 ± 2.6, -1 ± 1.5, and 0.7 ± 2.1, respectively, and their corresponding treatment failure rates were 54% (102 of 192), 67% (36 of 54), 70% (23 of 33), 75% (12 of 16), 71% (5 of 7), and 83% (5 of 6). In the primary analysis, an increasing number of Waddell signs were not associated with a significant decrease in average NRS-PI (coefficient [Coef] = 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.43 to 0.05; P = .12). A higher number of Waddell signs were associated with treatment failure, with a 1.35 increased odds of treatment failure per cumulative number of signs (P = .008).

CONCLUSIONS

Whereas this study found no consistent relationship between Waddell signs and decreased mean pain scores, a significant relationship between the number of Waddell signs and treatment failure was observed.

Quantifying Dysfunction of the Lumbar Multifidus Muscle After Radiofrequency Neurotomy and Fusion Surgery: A Preliminary Study

The multifidus is an important muscle for the active stabilization of the spine. Unfortunately, clinical procedures such as posterior lumbar fusion (PLF) and radio frequency neurotomy (RFN) cause injury to these muscles affecting their function. However, evaluating multifidus function using traditional biomechanical methods is challenging due to its unique anatomical features. The change in muscle shear modulus during contraction has been corrected to force generation for several skeletal muscles. Therefore, the change in shear modulus can be used to quantify muscle contraction. The objective of this study was to evaluate multifidus dysfunction by comparing changes in shear modulus during muscle contraction in healthy individuals and patients who received RFN and PLF in the lumbar spine. We used our recently developed protocol which consists of measuring changes of multifidus shear modulus at lying prone, sitting up, and sitting up with the arms lifted. In healthy individuals, the median multifidus shear modulus increased progressively from prone, sitting, and sitting with arms raised: 18.55 kPa, 27.14 kPa, and 38.45 kPa, respectively. A moderate increase in shear modulus for these body positions was observed in PLF patients: 9.81 kPa, 17.26 kPa, and 21.85 kPa. In RFN patients, the shear modulus remained relatively constant: 14.44 kPa, 16.57 kPa, and 17.26 kPa. Overall, RFN and PLF caused a reduction in the contraction of multifidus muscles. However, the contraction of multifidus muscle slightly increased during multifidus activation in PLF patients, while it did not change in RFN patients. These preliminary measurements suggest that the proposed protocol using SWE can provide important information about the function of individual spine muscles to guide the design and evaluation of postsurgical rehabilitation protocols.

Consensus practice guidelines on interventions for lumbar facet joint pain from a multispecialty, international working group

BACKGROUND

The past two decades have witnessed a surge in the use of lumbar facet blocks and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat low back pain (LBP), yet nearly all aspects of the procedures remain controversial.

METHODS

After approval by the Board of Directors of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, letters were sent to a dozen pain societies, as well as representatives from the US Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense. A steering committee was convened to select preliminary questions, which were revised by the full committee. Questions were assigned to 4-5 person modules, who worked with the Subcommittee Lead and Committee Chair on preliminary versions, which were sent to the full committee. We used a modified Delphi method, whereby the questions were sent to the committee en bloc and comments were returned in a non-blinded fashion to the Chair, who incorporated the comments and sent out revised versions until consensus was reached.

RESULTS

17 questions were selected for guideline development, with 100% consensus achieved by committee members on all topics. All societies except for one approved every recommendation, with one society dissenting on two questions (number of blocks and cut-off for a positive block before RFA), but approving the document. Specific questions that were addressed included the value of history and physical examination in selecting patients for blocks, the value of imaging in patient selection, whether conservative treatment should be used before injections, whether imaging is necessary for block performance, the diagnostic and prognostic value of medial branch blocks (MBB) and intra-articular (IA) injections, the effects of sedation and injectate volume on validity, whether facet blocks have therapeutic value, what the ideal cut-off value is for a prognostic block, how many blocks should be performed before RFA, how electrodes should be oriented, the evidence for larger lesions, whether stimulation should be used before RFA, ways to mitigate complications, if different standards should be applied to clinical practice and clinical trials and the evidence for repeating RFA (see table 12 for summary).

CONCLUSIONS

Lumbar medial branch RFA may provide benefit to well-selected individuals, with MBB being more predictive than IA injections. More stringent selection criteria are likely to improve denervation outcomes, but at the expense of more false-negatives. Clinical trials should be tailored based on objectives, and selection criteria for some may be more stringent than what is ideal in clinical practice.

Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Lumbar Medial Branch Thermal Radiofrequency Neurotomy, Stratified for Diagnostic Methods and Procedural Technique

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.

Medial branch radiofrequency ablation outcomes in patients with centralized pain

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

We hypothesized that patients with characteristics of centralized pain (fibromyalgia (FM)-like phenotype) would be less likely to respond to radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which may explain some of the failures of this peripherally directed therapy.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, observational study of patients undergoing RFA using a number of validated self-report measures of pain, mood and function. The 2011 Fibromyalgia Survey Criteria were used to assess for symptoms of centralized pain and was the primary predictor of interest. We constructed multivariable linear regression models to evaluate covariates independently associated with change in pain 3 months after RFA.

RESULTS

141 patients scheduled for medial branch blocks were enrolled in the study; 55 underwent RFA (51 with complete 3 months' follow-up). Patients with higher FM scores had less improvement in overall body pain; however, this was not statistically significant (adjusted mean change in pain FM+0.41, FM-1.11, p=0.396). In a secondary analysis, the FM score was not associated with change in back pain (p=0.720), with both groups improving equally. This cohort also reported significant improvement in anxiety, physical function, catastrophizing, and sleep disturbance at 3 months after RFA.

CONCLUSIONS

Although patients with high baseline centralized pain exhibited less improvement in overall pain, this trend was not statistically significant, possibly due to insufficient power. The same trend was not seen with change in spine pain with both groups improving equally. Centralized pain patients may have less improvement in overall pain but may have equal improvement in their site-specific pain levels after localized interventions.

Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency of the genicular nerves in the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis knee pain

INTRODUCTION

The goals for the management of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee are to control pain and to minimise disability. Because the number of patients will increase as the population ages, alternative approaches to alleviate their joint pain other than conventional treatments are necessary. The purpose of this article is to present a refined protocol to determine if there is long-term improvement in pain and function after ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the genicular nerves (GNs) in patients with chronic painful knee OA.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design trial. One hundred and forty-two outpatients with OA of the knee will be recruited from Mallorca, Spain. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: ultrasound-guided sham GN pulsed radiofrequency without active treatment and ultrasound-guided real GN pulsed radiofrequency. The primary outcome measures will be the observed changes from baseline pain intensity based on visual analogue scale (VAS). The possible changes in the secondary efficacy variables from the baseline as assessed by the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale, pain medication use, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC subscales) and VAS pain intensity are also to be included in the study. These variables will be assessed at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after treatment.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol was approved by the Research Ethic Committee of the Balearic Islands (IB 3223/16 PI). The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial registration numberNCT02915120; Pre-results.

Outcomes and prognostic variables of radiofrequency zygapophyseal joint neurotomy in Utah workers' compensation patients

Purpose

The prevalence of radiofrequency zygapophyseal joint neurotomy (RFN) has increased substantially across the past decade. Limited research exists that has examined pre-procedure predictors of RFN outcomes, particularly within workers’ compensation populations. The purpose of this study was to determine if pre-procedure biopsychosocial variables are predictive of outcomes in a cohort of compensated Utah patients who have undergone RFN.

Patients and methods

This was a retrospective cohort study consisting of a review of pre-procedure medical records and a telephone outcome survey. The sample consisted of 101 compensated workers from Utah who had undergone RFN. Fifty-six patients (55%) responded to the outcome survey. Patients were an average of 46 months post-neurotomy at the time of follow-up. Outcome measures included patient satisfaction, disability status, Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire, Stauffer–Coventry Index, and Short-Form Health Survey-36 (v.2). Statistical techniques utilized included frequencies, mean comparisons, and logistic and multiple regressions.

Results

Forty percent of patients were totally disabled at the time of follow-up. Lawyer involvement, older age, and a positive history of depression were predictors of poor outcomes in logistic and multiple regression equations.

Conclusion

Presurgical biopsychosocial variables were predictive of multidimensional patient outcomes, and a high rate of total disability was observed. Additional research on the effectiveness of RFN for workers’ compensation patients is recommended.

Influence of BMI, gender, and sports on pain decrease and medication usage after facet-medial branch neurotomy or SI joint lateral branch cooled RF-neurotomy in case of low back pain: original research in the Austrian population

Purpose

This retrospective original research was designed to illustrate the general outcome after radiofrequency (RF) neurotomy of lumbar medial branch (MB) and posterior ramus of the sacroiliac joint of 160 patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment.

Methods

Visual Analog Scale (VAS) 0–10 pain scores, quality of life, body mass index (BMI), medication usage, and frequency of physical exercise/sports participation (none, 1–3×/week, more) were collected before the procedure, at 1 month post procedure (n=160), and again at 6 (n=73) and 12 months (n=89) post procedure.

Results

A VAS decrease of 4 points on a 10-point scale (from 8 to 4) in the overall group was seen after 6 months and of 4.5 after 12 months. Lower medication usage was reported, with opioids decreased by 40% and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by 60%. Decreased pain lasted for 12 months. Significantly better outcomes were reported by patients with BMIs <30. No gender-specific differences occurred in the reported decrease in VAS. Analysis of the “no-sports” group versus the more active (1–3 times weekly sports) group showed a better pain decrease after 1 year in the active group.

Conclusion

The data suggest RF treatment for chronic LBP that can lead to long-term improvement. Patients with a BMI >30 are less likely to report decreased pain. The better long-term pain relief in the sports participating group is a motivation for the authors to keep the patients in motion.

Use of localized human growth hormone and testosterone injections in addition to manual therapy and exercise for lower back pain: a case series with 12-month follow-up

Objective

The objective of this case series was to investigate the feasibility and safety of a novel method for the management of chronic lower back pain. Injections of recombinant human growth hormone and testosterone to the painful and dysfunctional areas in individuals with chronic lower back pain were used. In addition, the participants received manual therapies and exercise addressing physical impairments such as motor control, strength, endurance, pain, and loss of movement. Pain ratings and self-rated functional outcomes were assessed.

Study design

This is a case series involving consecutive patients with chronic lower back pain who received the intervention of injections of recombinant human growth hormone and testosterone, and attended chiropractic and/or physical therapy. Outcomes were measured at 12 months from the time of injection.

Setting

A community based hospital affiliated office, and a private practice block suite.

Participants

A total of 60 consecutive patients attending a pain management practice for chronic lower back pain were recruited for the experimental treatment. Most participants were private pay.

Interventions

Participants who provided informed consent and were determined not to have radicular pain received diagnostic blocks. Those who responded favorably to the diagnostic blocks received injections of recombinant human growth hormone and testosterone in the areas treated with the blocks. Participants also received manipulation- and impairment-based exercises.

Outcome measures

Outcomes were assessed at 12 months through pain ratings with the Mankowski Pain Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index.

Results

Of the 60 patients recruited, 49 provided informed consent, and 39 completed all aspects of the study. Those patients receiving the intervention reported a significant decrease in pain ratings (P<0.01) and a significant improvement in self-rated Oswestry Disability Index scores (P<0.01). In addition, in the Oswestry Disability Index results, 41% of the patients demonstrated a 50% or greater change in their disability score. Of the subjects who withdrew from the study, one was due to the pain created by the injections and nine were for nonstudy factors.

Conclusion

The intervention appeared to be safe and the results provide a reasonable expectation that the intervention would be beneficial for a population of individuals with chronic nonradicular lower back pain. Due to the design of the study, causality cannot be inferred, but the results do indicate that further study of the intervention may be warranted.

Changes in gait kinematics and lower back muscle activity post-radiofrequency denervation of the zygapophysial joint: a case study

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Using diagnostic anesthetic blocks, the lumbar zygapophysial (facet) joint has been shown to be the primary cause of pain in approximately 15% of patients with chronic low back pain. Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) of the lumbar medial branch innervating the zygapophysial joint has been shown to provide a significant decrease in pain in patients selected by dual comparative anesthetic blocks, but quantitative improvements in mobility have not been fully elucidated. A theoretical concern with RFN is that the multifidus muscle, a stabilizing paraspinal muscle, is also denervated during this procedure, which may have adverse effects on mobility and spine stability.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine gait kinematics and muscle activity of the low back during treadmill walking both before and after RFN.

STUDY DESIGN

Case study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

One 33-year-old female, with 15 years of chronic left low back pain and a diagnosis of L4/L5 lumbar zygapophysial joint pain by dual comparative anesthetic blocks was studied.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Self-reported measures of perceived pain and effort; in addition to physiologic measures of heart rate, gait kinematics and surface electromyography (EMG) activity of the multifidus and erector spinae muscles were collected before and after the procedure.

METHODS

The participant walked for 15 consecutive minutes on a treadmill. The first and last 5-minute intervals were at a self-selected pace, and the middle 5-minute interval was at a 50% increase of the self-selected pace. Gait kinematics and lumbar paraspinal surface EMG activity were recorded during the last minute of each walking interval. Heart rate, perceived effort, and perceived pain were also collected at the end of each walking interval. Data were collected both 7 and 1 days before RFN, and on the following days post-RFN: 0, 8, 14, 28, and 58.

RESULTS

Perceived effort did not change despite an increase in treadmill speed and heart rate. Pain decreased by 60% in the first two weeks and by 92% by 4 weeks post-RFN. There were also gradual positive changes in gait kinematics across all post-sessions and an immediate and sustained decrease in surface EMG activity over the left multifidus and erector spinae muscles following RFN.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this pilot study are the first to show quantitative positive changes in gait and muscle activity post-RFN, suggesting that the relationship between this procedure and mobility warrant further investigation.

A comparison of intraarticular lumbar facet joint steroid injections and lumbar facet joint radiofrequency denervation in the treatment of low back pain: a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial

BACKGROUND

Lumbar facet joint degeneration is a source of chronic low back pain, with an incidence of 15% to 45% among patients with low back pain. Various therapeutic techniques in the treatment of facet-related pain have been described in the literature, including intraarticular lumbar facet joint steroid injections and radiofrequency denervation. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of intraarticular facet joint steroid injections and radiofrequency denervation.

METHODS

Our randomized, double-blind, controlled study included patients who received intraarticular steroid infiltrations in the lumbar facet joints (L3/L4-L5/S1) and patients who underwent radiofrequency denervation of L3/L4-L5/S1 segments. The inclusion criteria were based first on magnetic resonance imaging findings showing hypertrophy of the facet joints L3/L4-L5/S1 and a positive response to an intraarticular test infiltration of the facet joints L3/L4-L5/S1 with local anesthetics. The primary end point was the Roland-Morris Questionnaire. Secondary end points were the visual analog scale and the Oswestry Disability Index. All outcome assessments were performed at baseline and at 6 months.

RESULTS

Fifty-six patients were randomized; 24 of 29 patients in the steroid injection group and 26 of 27 patients in the denervation group completed the 6-month follow-up. Pain relief and functional improvement were observed in both groups. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups for the primary end point (95% confidence interval [CI], -3 to 4) and for both secondary end points (95% CI for visual analog scale, -2 to 1; 95% CI for Oswestry Disability Index, -18 to 0).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraarticular steroid infiltration or radiofrequency denervation appear to be a managing option for chronic function-limiting low back pain of facet origin with favorable short- and midterm results in terms of pain relief and function improvement, but improvements were similar in both groups.

Radiofrequency treatment of facet-related pain: evidence and controversies

Pain originating from the lumbar facet joints is estimated to represent about 15% of all low back pain complaints. The diagnostic block is considered to be a valuable tool for confirming facetogenic pain. It was demonstrated that a block of the ramus medialis of the ramus dorsalis is preferred over an intra-articular injection. The outcome of the consequent radiofrequency treatment is not different in patients reporting over 80% pain relief after the diagnostic block than in those who have between 50% and 79% pain relief. There is one well-conducted comparative trial assessing the value of one or two controlled diagnostic blocks to none. The results of the seven randomized trials on the use of radiofrequency treatment of facet joint pain demonstrate that good patient selection is imperative for good clinical outcome. Therefore, we suggest one block of the ramus medialis of the ramus dorsalis before radiofrequency treatment.