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Park S, Park JH, Jang JN, Choi SI, Song Y, Kim YU, Park S. Pulsed radiofrequency of lumbar dorsal root ganglion for lumbar radicular pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain Pract 2024; 24:772-785. [PMID: 38294072 DOI: 10.1111/papr.13351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the lumbar dorsal root ganglion (DRG) has been widely used as a method to relieve lumbar radicular pain (LRP). However, the value of PRF application in LRP patients remains uncertain. This systematic review aimed to compare the effects of PRF of lumbar DRG and LEI in patients with LRP. METHODS A literature search was performed using well-known databases for articles published up to May 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of PRF compared to LEI with or without steroids. We screened articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias in duplicate. The pain scores and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores at 1, 3, and 6 months after procedures were obtained. A random-effects meta-analysis model was applied for outcomes. We evaluated evidence certainty for each outcome using the GRADE scoring system. This review was registered in the PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021253628). RESULTS A total of 10 RCTs were included and data of 613 patients were retrieved. We assessed the overall quality of the evidence as very low to moderate. PRF showed no difference in pain scores at 1 (mean difference [MD] -0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.59 to 0.00, low certainty) and 6 months (MD -2.37, 95% CI -4.79 to 0.05, very low certainty), and significantly improved pain scores at 3 months (MD -1.31, 95% CI -2.29 to -0.33, low certainty). There was no significant difference in ODI score at any interval (very low to low certainty). In the subgroup who underwent a diagnostic block, did not use steroids, and PRF duration greater than 360 s, PRF significantly reduced pain scores at 3 months after procedures. CONCLUSIONS We found low quality of the evidence supporting adjuvant PRF to the lumbar DRG has a greater analgesic effect at 3 months after procedures in patients with LRP than LEI. We identified no convincing evidence to show that this treatment improves function. High-quality evidence is lacking, and data were largely derived from short-term effects. Given these limitations, high-quality trials with data on long-term effects are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyoon Park
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Park
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Dongsan Medical Center, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jae Ni Jang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Su-Il Choi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Yumin Song
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Young Uk Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sukhee Park
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
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Láinez Ramos-Bossini AJ, Jiménez Gutiérrez PM, Ruiz Santiago F. Efficacy of radiofrequency in lumbar facet joint pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials. LA RADIOLOGIA MEDICA 2024; 129:794-806. [PMID: 38512629 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-024-01809-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lumbar facet joint pain (LFJP) is one of the main causes of chronic low back pain (LBP) and can be treated using radiofrequency (RF) sensory denervation. The aim of this work is to analyze the efficacy of RF in LFJP through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with placebo control. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic search was conducted in the Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science databases, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). The variables of interest were pain, functional status, quality of life (QoL), and global perceived effect (GPE) measured at different time intervals: short (< 3 months), medium (> 3 and < 12 months), and long term (> 12 months). RESULTS Eight RCTs with placebo control were included. RF showed significant benefits over placebo in pain relief in the short (MD - 1.01; 95% CI - 1.98 to -0.04; p = 0.04), medium (MD - 1.42; 95% CI - 2.41 to - 0.43; p = 0.005), and long term (MD - 1.12; 95% CI - 1.57 to - 0.68; p < 0.001), as well as improvement in functional disability in the short (SMD - 0.94; 95% CI - 1.73 to - 0.14; p = 0.02) and long term (SMD - 0.74; 95% CI - 1.09 to - 0.39; p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in QoL or quantitative GPE, but benefits for RF were observed in dichotomous GPE in the medium (OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.07-0.52; p = 0.001) and long term (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.06-0.78; p = 0.02). Subgroup analyses showed more benefits for RF in LBP < 1 year in the short term and in RCTs that did not require performing an MRI for patient selection. CONCLUSIONS RF demonstrated significant improvement in pain and functionality, but the benefits in terms of QoL and GPE are inconclusive. Future clinical trials should investigate the long-term effects of RF, its impact on quality of life, and define appropriate criteria for patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Jesús Láinez Ramos-Bossini
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de Las Nieves, Avda. Fuerzas Armadas, 18014, Granada, Spain.
- Advanced Medical Imaging Group (TeCe22), Instituto Biosanitario de Granada (IBS.Granada), 18016, Granada, Spain.
| | - Paula María Jiménez Gutiérrez
- Advanced Medical Imaging Group (TeCe22), Instituto Biosanitario de Granada (IBS.Granada), 18016, Granada, Spain
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de Las Nieves, 18014, Granada, Spain
| | - Fernando Ruiz Santiago
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de Las Nieves, Avda. Fuerzas Armadas, 18014, Granada, Spain
- Advanced Medical Imaging Group (TeCe22), Instituto Biosanitario de Granada (IBS.Granada), 18016, Granada, Spain
- Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Zhang P, Wei X, Jia J. Dorsal root ganglion-pulsed neuromodulation radiofrequency treatment has significant clinical efficacy in chronic spinal-origin pain, bringing noticeable improvement in symptoms and sleep quality for patients. Int J Neurosci 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38299801 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2024.2312985] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic spinal-origin pain poses a substantial clinical challenge, prompting the investigation of novel treatment modalities. This study aims to evaluate the potential application of spinal nerve dorsal root ganglion (DRG) radiofrequency treatment in addressing chronic spinal-origin pain. METHODS The study encompassed patients undergoing treatment for chronic spinal-origin pain, with a particular focus on those experiencing pain localized in specific regions. Inclusion criteria comprised patients with conditions such as a herniated intervertebral disc or foraminal stenosis leading to compression of descending or exiting nerve roots, accompanied by reported radicular pain in the lower limb. RESULTS There was no significant difference in comparability between the two groups (p > 0.05). The clinical effective rate in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The VAS scores of the study group at 2 weeks and 1 month after treatment were significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05). The PSQI index of the study group after treatment was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Spinal nerve DRG radiofrequency treatment has significant clinical efficacy in chronic spinal-origin pain, bringing noticeable improvement in symptoms and sleep quality for patients. The occurrence of complications is relatively low, and it can be reduced through strict operational standards and preoperative and postoperative management. However, caution should be exercised in its widespread application, but it is worthy of broad clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiguo Zhang
- Department of Pain, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Xifang Wei
- Medical Examination, People's Hospital of Tongchuan, Tongchuan, Shan'xi, China
| | - Jianzhang Jia
- Department of Pain, People's Hospital of Tongchuan, Tongchuan, Shan'xi, China
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Du R, Gao J, Wang B, Zhang J, Meng M, Wang J, Qu W, Li Z. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and endoscopic neurotomy for lumbar facet joint syndrome: are they good enough? EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2024; 33:463-473. [PMID: 38141106 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-08078-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lumbar facet joint (LFJ) syndrome is one of the common causes of low back pain (LBP). There are different views on percutaneous and endoscopic radiofrequency. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to explore the therapeutic effect of radiofrequency ablation on LBP originating from LFJ and compare the therapeutic effect of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and endoscopic neurotomy. METHODS We included randomized controlled trials which compared the efficiency of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and conservative treatment (sham procedures, facet joint injection, physiotherapy, exercise, or oral medication) or compared the efficiency of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and endoscopic neurotomy for LFJ syndrome. We searched in PubMed and Web of Science from inception to March 27, 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS A total of 11 randomized controlled trials were included. Among them, nine studies were used for evaluating efficiency of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation, and two studies were used for evaluating efficiency of endoscopic neurotomy. Pooled data from two studies reporting outcomes at 1 year did not show a benefit from facet joint denervation by comparing the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and conservative treatment (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-2.10, 0.37], P = 0.17). There was no significant difference between percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and endoscopic neurotomy at 1-month follow-up (mean difference (MD) = -0.13, 95%CI [-0.18, -0.44], P = 0.41). At 12-month follow-up the pain relief in the endoscopic neurotomy was significantly better than that in the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation group (MD = 1.98, 95%CI [1.60, 2.36], P < 0 .0001). CONCLUSION The LBP was significantly relieved shortly after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. Compared with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation, endoscopic neurotomy seems to have a longer effect. A longer follow-up period is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihuan Du
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 5 Longbin Road, Development Zone, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 5 Longbin Road, Development Zone, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 5 Longbin Road, Development Zone, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Meng
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 5 Longbin Road, Development Zone, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingzuo Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 5 Longbin Road, Development Zone, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - Wentao Qu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 5 Longbin Road, Development Zone, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhonghai Li
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 5 Longbin Road, Development Zone, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Dalian, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
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Whitaker CD, Stone BK, Gregorczyk JA, Alsoof D, Hardacker K, Diebo BG, Daniels A, Basques B. Nonsurgical Interventional Spine Pain Procedures: Outcomes and Complications. JBJS Rev 2023; 11:01874474-202304000-00003. [PMID: 37058581 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.rvw.22.00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
» Nonsurgical interventional spine pain procedures provide an additional treatment option for lower back pain at the traditional bifurcation of conversative vs. operative management. » Transforaminal epidural steroid injections, radiofrequency ablations, intrathecal drug delivery, and spinal cord stimulation were found to be effective and safe techniques when applied to their specific indication. » Thermal annuloplasty and minimally invasive lumbar decompression showed mixed support. » Discography, sacroiliac joint injections, and spinous process spacers lacked sufficient evidence to support efficacy. » Medial branch blocks and facet joint injections were found to be useful diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin D Whitaker
- The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Benjamin K Stone
- The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | | | - Daniel Alsoof
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Kyle Hardacker
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Bassel G Diebo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Alan Daniels
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Bryce Basques
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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Li LM, Zhang ZL, Zheng BS, Jia LL, Yu WL, Du HY. Effective treatment of high-voltage pulsed radiofrequency combined with oxygen–ozone injection in acute zoster neuralgia. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2022; 223:107496. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2022.107496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Ambrosio L, Vadalà G, Russo F, Pascarella G, De Salvatore S, Papalia GF, Ruggiero A, Di Folco M, Carassiti M, Papalia R, Denaro V. Interventional Minimally Invasive Treatments for Chronic Low Back Pain Caused by Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Global Spine J 2022; 13:1163-1179. [PMID: 36458366 DOI: 10.1177/21925682221142264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy of nonsurgical interventional treatments for chronic low back pain (LBP) caused by facet joint syndrome (FJS). METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify studies that compared interventional treatments for LBP due to FJS among them, with usual care or sham procedures. Studies were evaluated for pain, physical function, disability, quality of life and employment status. The RoB-2 and MINORS tools were utilized to assess the risk of bias in included studies. RESULTS Eighteen studies published between January 2000 and December 2021 were included (1496 patients, mean age: 54.31 years old). Intraarticular (IA) facet joint (FJ) injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) did not show significant difference compared to IA corticosteroids (CCS) in terms of pain and satisfaction. FJ denervation using radiofrequency (RF) displayed slightly superior or similar outcomes compared to IA CCS, physical therapy, or sham procedure. IA CCS showed better outcomes when combined with oral diclofenac compared to IA CCS or oral diclofenac alone but was not superior to IA local anesthetic and Sarapin. IA platelet-rich plasma (PRP) led to an improvement of pain, disability and satisfaction in the long term compared to IA CCS. CONCLUSION FJS is a common cause of LBP that can be managed with several different strategies, including nonsurgical minimally invasive approaches such as IA HA, CCS, PRP and FJ denervation. However, available evidence showed mixed results, with overall little short-term or no benefits on pain, disability, and other investigated outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ambrosio
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy.,Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, 9317Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Vadalà
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy.,Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, 9317Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Russo
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy.,Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, 9317Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pascarella
- Unit of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Department of Medicine, 9317Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio De Salvatore
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy.,Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, 9317Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe F Papalia
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy.,Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, 9317Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ruggiero
- Unit of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Department of Medicine, 9317Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Di Folco
- Unit of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Department of Medicine, 9317Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Carassiti
- Unit of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Department of Medicine, 9317Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Papalia
- Operative Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy.,Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, 9317Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Denaro
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, 9317Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
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Du R, Xu G, Bai X, Li Z. Facet Joint Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. J Pain Res 2022; 15:3689-3710. [PMID: 36474960 PMCID: PMC9719706 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s389602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Facet joint osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequent form of facet joint syndrome. Medical history, referred pain patterns, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging studies (standard radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography) may suggest but not confirm lumbar facet joint (LFJ) syndrome as a source of low back pain (LBP). However, the diagnosis and treatment of facet joint syndrome is still controversial and needs further study. It is widely acknowledged that block with local anesthetic is perhaps the most effective method to establish a diagnosis of pain from LFJ. Particularly, there are different rates of success among different populations selected for diagnostic block with various positive criteria. Currently, in addition to conservative treatments for pain such as painkillers, functional exercises, and massage, there are many other methods, including block, denervation of the nerves that innervate the joints by radiofrequency, freezing or endoscopy, and injections. Due to the limited duration of pain relief from neurolysis of medial branch, many scholars have recently turned their targets to dorsal roots and LFJ capsules. Therefore, we reviewed the latest research progress of facet joint syndrome from diagnosis to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihuan Du
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xujue Bai
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhonghai Li
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
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Akgul MH, Akgun MY. Effect of radiofrequency denervation on pain severity among patients with cervical, thoracic or lumbar spinal pain: A clinical retrospective study. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10755. [PMID: 36193536 PMCID: PMC9526146 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low back pain is the leading cause of job-related disabilities. The zygapophyseal (facet) joint has been identified as a cause of spinal pain in 15%–45% of individuals. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to the facet joints of the lumbar, cervical and thoracic regions and discussion of the 2-year follow-up results will provide additional data and contribute to understanding the long-term effectiveness of RFA. Methods Patients with cervical, thoracic or low back pain, not accompanied by radicular pain and without primary and/or metastatic disease in the spinal region during radiological evaluation were retrospectively analysed. A total of 1274 patients aged >18 years who had clinical follow-up for at least 1 year and had back pain for >6 months were included in the study. The RFA groups were compared within themselves before and after the application. Moreover, patients who received RFA were compared with those who did not receive RFA (controls). The visual analogue scale and quality-of-life scores of the patients were evaluated. Periodic clinical follow-ups revealed changes in neurological status. Results Of the 774 patients who underwent RFA, 156, 184 and 434 patients had pain in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar and lumbosacral regions, respectively. The control groups consisted of 108, 122 and 270 patients, respectively. No significant difference in any of the baseline demographic variables was observed between the groups (p > 0.05). A significant improvement was found in both visual analogue scale and quality-of-life scores when compared before and after RFA application within the groups. In addition, a significant improvement was found in the RFA group compared with the control group. Conclusions As far as we know, this is the first comparative study of RFA involving the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal regions. RFA made it possible to obtain satisfactory results in all three regions. With its increasing popularity and frequency of use, new indications for RFA may emerge. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) method emerges as a very successful treatment method in patients who do not have an operative pathology but who suffer from chronic pain. Especially, considering the persistent outpatient clinic admissions of patients with persistent low back pain, RFA is a "rescuer" position for most clinicians. The clinical relief of the patients for two years is one of the most critical data clearly demonstrating the long-term success of the procedure.
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Li H, An J, Zhang J, Kong W, Yun Z, Yu T, Nie X, Liu Q. Comparative efficacy of radiofrequency denervation in chronic low back pain: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Front Surg 2022; 9:899538. [PMID: 35990102 PMCID: PMC9388860 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.899538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Facet joint pain is a common cause of chronic low back pain (CLBP). Radiofrequency (RF) denervation is an effective treatment option. Purpose A systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and effectiveness of different RF denervation treatments in managing facet joint-derived CLBP. Methods The Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and China Biology Medicine were searched to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from January 1966 through December 2021. Interventions included conventional radiofrequency denervation (CRF), pulsed radiofrequency denervation (PRF), pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the dorsal root ganglia (PRF-DRG), radiofrequency facet capsule denervation (RF-FC), and radiofrequency ablation under endoscopic guidance (ERFA). The outcome was the mean change in visual analog scale (VAS) score from baseline. A random-effects NMA was used to compare the pain relief effects of the interventions over the short term (≤6 months) and long term (12 months). The rank of effect estimation for each intervention was computed using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve. Results A total of 10 RCTs with 715 patients met the inclusion criteria. Moderate evidence indicated that CRF denervation had a greater effect on pain relief than sham control in the short term (standardized mean difference (SMD) −1.58, 95% confidence intervals (CI) −2.98 to −0.18) and the long term (SMD −4.90, 95% CI, −5.86 to −3.94). Fair evidence indicated that PRF denervation was more effective than sham control for pain over the long term (SMD −1.30, 95% CI, −2.17 to −0.43). Fair evidence showed that ERFA denervation was more effective for pain relief than sham control in the short term (SMD −3.07, 95% CI, −5.81 to −0.32) and the long term (SMD −4.00, 95% CI, −4.95 to −3.05). Fair evidence showed that RF-FC denervation was more effective for pain relief than sham control in the long term (SMD −1.11, 95% CI, −2.07 to −0.15). A fair level of evidence indicated that PRF-DRG denervation was more effective for pain relief than sham control in the short term (SMD −5.34, 95% CI, −8.30 to −2.39). Conclusion RF is an effective option for patients diagnosed with facet joint-derived CLBP. Systematic Review Registration: Identifier: CRD42022298238.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Junyan An
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Weijian Kong
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhihe Yun
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tong Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinyu Nie
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qinyi Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Correspondence: Qinyi Liu
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Pastrak M, Visnjevac O, Visnjevac T, Ma F, Abd-Elsayed A. Safety of Conventional and Pulsed Radiofrequency Lesions of the Dorsal Root Entry Zone Complex (DREZC) for Interventional Pain Management: A Systematic Review. Pain Ther 2022; 11:411-445. [PMID: 35434768 PMCID: PMC9098700 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-022-00378-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Study Design Systematic literature review. Objective The goal of this systematic review is to assess the clinical safety and potential complications of conventional and pulsed radiofrequency ablations targeting dorsal root entry zone complex (DREZC) components in the treatment of chronic pain. Background There is a growing popularity for the use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) techniques targeting DREZC components by pain management physicians for an increasing variety of indications. To date, we lack a systematic review to describe the safety and the type of complications associated with these procedures. Methods This was a systematic literature review. This systematic search was limited to peer-reviewed literature using “radiofrequency ablation” as a search keyword using PubMed’s database for manuscripts published between inception and December 2020. Abstracts that involved the application of radiofrequency currents, of any modality, to DREZC components for the treatment of pain were included for full-text review. Search was limited to original data describing clinical outcomes following RFA performed for pain indications only, involving the DREZC components outlined above, in human subjects, and written in English. The primary outcomes were complications associated with conventional RFA and pulsed radiofrequency ablation (PRF). Complications were categorized as type 1 (persistent neurological deficits or other serious adverse events, defined as any event that resulted in permanent of prolonged injury; type 2 (transient neuritis or neurological deficits, or other non-neurological non-minor adverse event); type 3 (minor adverse events (e.g., headache, soreness, bruising, etc.). Results Of the 62 selected manuscripts totaling 3157 patients, there were zero serious adverse events or persistent neurological deficits reported. A total of 36 (1.14%) transient neurological deficits, cases of transient neuritis, or non-minor adverse events like uncomplicated pneumothorax were reported. A total of 113 (3.58%) minor adverse events were reported (bruising, transient site soreness, headache). Conclusions This systematic review indicates that the use of RFA lesion of the DREZC for interventional pain management is very safe. There were no serious adverse effects with a sizable sample of randomized controlled trial (RCT), prospective observational, and retrospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mila Pastrak
- School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ognjen Visnjevac
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Bloor Pain Specialists, Toronto, ON Canada
- Cleveland Clinic Canada, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Tanja Visnjevac
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Frederick Ma
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Alaa Abd-Elsayed
- Anesthesiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI USA
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