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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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Van den Heuvel SAS, Cohen SPC, de Andrès Ares J, Van Boxem K, Kallewaard JW, Van Zundert J. 3. Pain originating from the lumbar facet joints. Pain Pract 2024; 24:160-176. [PMID: 37640913 DOI: 10.1111/papr.13287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra A S Van den Heuvel
- Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Steven P C Cohen
- Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine Division, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Koen Van Boxem
- Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Willem Kallewaard
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Rijnstate Ziekenhuis, Velp, The Netherlands
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Van Zundert
- Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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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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Analysis of Efficacy and Factors Associated with Reccurence After Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation in Patients with Postherpetic Neuralgia: a Long-Term Retrospective and Clinical Follow-Up Study. Pain Ther 2022; 11:971-985. [PMID: 35778672 PMCID: PMC9314488 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-022-00412-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a painful condition that persists for 1 month or more after herpes zoster rash has healed. Radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RF-TC) provides analgesia by destroying the dorsal root ganglion and blocking the pain upload pathway; nonetheless, the concomitant neurological-related side effects and recurrence remain a concern. METHODS In this study, 228 patients with PHN in the thoracic segment treated with RF-TC of the dorsal root ganglion of the spinal nerve were included, and were followed up regularly after surgery. The numerical rating scale (NRS) scores, time to recurrence, and intraoperative and postoperative adverse events were recorded and analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves and calculate the cumulative effective rate and recurrence rate. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with postoperative recurrence. Predictive models were built to assess the value of applications. RESULTS The NRS scores decreased in all postoperative periods compared with preoperative ones. At 10-year-follow-up, recurrence was observed in 34.6% (79/228) of patients that underwent PHN. The main postoperative complications were numbness and reduced abdominal muscle strength, which gradually decreased with time, while the abdominal muscle strength gradually recovered. No other adverse events occurred. Interval-censored multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that disease course, complications, pain grade, and type of RF electrode were associated with a significantly higher risk of relapse. The main intraoperative adverse effect was a transient increase in pain during RF-TC. CONCLUSION CT-guided RF-TC of the dorsal root ganglion of the spinal nerve for PHN is a relatively safe and effective surgical option. Disease course, type of RF electrode, complications, and pain grade are risk factors for postoperative recurrence and can assist in clinical decision-making before the RF-CT 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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Jia Y, Wang Z, Ma Y, Wang T, Feng K, Feng G, Wang T. Efficacy and safety of high-voltage versus standard-voltage pulsed radiofrequency ablation for patients with neuropathic pain: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063385. [PMID: 35803629 PMCID: PMC9272125 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) ablation is commonly used for the treatment of neuropathic pain (NP). However, it is unclear whether increasing the output voltage of PRF can safely improve its efficacy. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of high-voltage PRF ablation and standard-voltage PRF ablation for the treatment of patients with NP. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will search PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, conference proceedings for relevant abstracts, clinical trials registers (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the WHO's International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (from the date of inception until 15 March 2022). Only randomised controlled trials will be included. Two reviewers (YJ and GF) will independently perform study screening and selection, data extraction, risk-of-bias assessment and quality-of-evidence assessment. The primary outcome of this meta-analysis will be the efficiency rate in patients with NP. The secondary outcomes will include numeric rating scale score, visual analogue scale score, time to take effect, rescue drug dosage, quality of life using the health questionnaire (SF-36) and the incidence of adverse events. Meta-analyses will be conducted using standard meta-analysis software (RevMan V.5.3, The Nordic Cochrane Center, The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The requirement for ethical approval was waived as our systematic review will be based on the published literature. The results of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022297804.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhui Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tengteng Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kunpeng Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guang Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianlong Wang
- Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Fujihara F, Kim K, Kokubo R, Isu T, Miki K, Morimoto D, Iwamoto N, Inoue T, Morita A. High-frequency thermal coagulation to treat middle cluneal nerve entrapment neuropathy. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2021; 163:823-828. [PMID: 32415488 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-020-04404-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Middle cluneal nerve entrapment (MCN-E) around the sacroiliac joint can elicit low back pain (LBP). Pain control can be obtained with anesthetic nerve blocks; however, when their effectiveness is transient, surgical release may be necessary. We investigated the efficacy of radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) in patients with MCN-E. METHODS Between December 2018 and August 2019, 11 consecutive patients (4 men, 7 women; mean age 76.4 years) with intractable medial buttock pain due to MCN-E underwent MCN RFTC. The mean symptom duration was 49.5 months; pre-RFTC local MCN blocks provided pain relief for a mean of 7.7 days. The severity of pain in the medial buttock due to MCN-E was recorded before and 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks after RFTC on the numerical rating scale (NRS) and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ). RESULTS All patients reported pain alleviation; there were no complications. While there was a significant difference in the pre- and post-RFTC treatment NRS (p < 0.05), the RDQ scores were significantly lower only after 12 weeks. The duration of pain relief was significantly prolonged by RFTC (p < 0.05). Two patients suffered pain relapse 10 weeks post-RFTC; pain alleviation was obtained by re-RFTC performed 2 weeks after pain recurrence. Two other patients relapsed 20 and 21 weeks post-RFTC; their symptoms also disappeared by MCN block administered 24 weeks after they had undergone RFTC. CONCLUSION RFTC may safely control intractable LBP due to MCN-E.
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[Interdisciplinary position paper: the value of radiofrequency denervation in the treatment of chronic pain]. Schmerz 2021; 35:124-129. [PMID: 33447917 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-020-00526-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Radiofrequency denervation has been established for many years as an important minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of chronic pain conditions. Positive experiences of many users for various indications are contrasted by a nonuniform evidence. With meticulous patient selection and correct assessment of the indications a longer term reduction of pain, a reduced need for analgesics and an improvement in the quality of life can be achieved. The aim of this interdisciplinary position paper is to present the value of radiofrequency denervation in the treatment of chronic pain. The summarized recommendations of the expert group are based on the available evidence and on the clinical experiences of Austrian centers that frequently implement the procedure. The position paper contains recommendations on patient selection and proven indications. We discribe safety aspects, complications, side effects and contraindications.
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Brzeziński K, Rękas-Dudziak AR, Maruszewska A. Pulsed radiofrequency as alternative method for phantom pain treatment. Case report. Clin Case Rep 2020; 8:2060-2062. [PMID: 33088552 PMCID: PMC7562844 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.3110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulse radiofrequency is a safe method of fighting phantom pain. It creates the possibility of treating cases that have exhausted other therapeutic options.
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Hong LW, Chen KT. A real-world evidence of a consecutive treatment of 42 spine-related pain using dorsal root ganglion-pulsed radiofrequency (DRG-PRF). Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2020; 197:106186. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Facet joint syndrome treated with interventional procedures: a review article with an update on the current evidence and practice. CURRENT ORTHOPAEDIC PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1097/bco.0000000000000927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sansone P, Giaccari LG, Lippiello A, Aurilio C, Paladini A, Passavanti MB, Pota V, Pace MC. Pulsed Radiofrequency for Lumbar Facet Joint Pain: A Viable Therapeutic Option? A Retrospective Observational Study. Pain Ther 2020; 9:573-582. [PMID: 32770486 PMCID: PMC7648804 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-020-00187-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem, and facet joint pain is responsible for 15–45% of cases. Treatment is multidisciplinary, and when conservative measures are not sufficient, radiofrequency (RF) is often used. It allows the interruption of nociceptive input, producing a heat lesion in a continuous or pulsed mode. Methods Medical records of 60 patients who underwent pulsed RF denervation were examined. The standard procedure provided follow-up of pain intensity. Numerical rating scale (NRS) and Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions (DN4) were recorded before treatment, and 15 and 40 days, and 6 months after treatment. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and patient satisfaction were also recorded. Successful treatment was defined as more than a 50% reduction in the NRS scores at 6 months compared with pretreatment scores. Results Scores on the NRS and DN4 were statistically different over time (p < 0.05). Scores at 6 months were significantly decreased when compared with pretreatment scores (p < 0.05). ODI scores decreased during the follow-up period. No adverse effect was recorded and 57 patients (97%) reported successful pain relief. Conclusions Continuous RF is the gold standard in the management of lumbar facet joint pain. Pulsed RF is a promising technique: patients with chronic LBP who had not responded to conservative care tended to improve after pulsed RF. The procedure was well tolerated in the absence of contraindications, and reliable if the nerve endings regrew.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Sansone
- Department of Women, Children and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Luca G Giaccari
- Department of Women, Children and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonietta Lippiello
- Department of Neurosurgery, "Santa Maria delle Grazie Hospital", Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Caterina Aurilio
- Department of Women, Children and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Maria Beatrice Passavanti
- Department of Women, Children and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pota
- Department of Women, Children and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Pace
- Department of Women, Children and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Shih CL, Shen PC, Lu CC, Liu ZM, Tien YC, Huang PJ, Chou SH. A comparison of efficacy among different radiofrequency ablation techniques for the treatment of lumbar facet joint and sacroiliac joint pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2020; 195:105854. [PMID: 32353665 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.105854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of different radiofrequency techniques (thermal, pulsed, and cooled radiofrequency) for treating lumbar facet joint (LFJ) or sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) age > 18 years; (2) patients suffering from LFJ or SIJ pain; and (3) patients receiving radiofrequency treatments. Four electronic databases, including Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ISI Web of Knowledge were systematically searched from inception until December 2019 for relevant articles. The search was conducted on 2 January 2020. When the outcomes among articles showed heterogeneity, then a random-effects model was adopted to calculate the effect size; otherwise, a fixed-effects model was adopted. RESULTS All the three techniques showed significant improvements in LFJ or SIJ pain for up to 12 months compared with the baseline level. However, no significant differences among the three techniques were observed at any follow-up visits except for possibly a trend for variance in efficacy. For treating LFJ pain, cooled radiofrequency was the most effective, followed by thermal radiofrequency and then pulsed radiofrequency as the least respectively for the follow-up visit at 6 months. No serious complications were reported after receiving treatment using the three techniques. CONCLUSION Sequentially, cooled radiofrequency followed by thermal radiofrequency and then pulsed radiofrequency for treating LFJ pain were identified as most to least effective at the 6-month follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Lung Shih
- Department of Orthopedics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chih Shen
- Department of Orthopedics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chang Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Zi-Miao Liu
- College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Chun Tien
- Department of Orthopedics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Peng-Ju Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsiang Chou
- Department of Orthopedics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Michno A, Kirkor Z, Gojtowska E, Suchorzewski M, Śmietańska I, Baścik B. Pulsed Radiofrequency Neuromodulation Contributes to Activation of Platelet-Rich Plasma in In Vitro Conditions. Neuromodulation 2020; 24:1451-1457. [PMID: 32027438 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent years have brought new developments in interventional chronic pain management, namely regenerative orthopedics utilizing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as well as further evolution of pulsed radiofrequency neuromodulation (PRF). Both methods have been used separately. Here, we investigated whether PRF may potentiate the activation of platelets in PRP samples when both these techniques are combined together in in vitro conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Studies were performed on concentrated PRP samples (PRPs) obtained from acid citrate dextrose-treated blood taken from 11 healthy volunteers. PRPs were divided into four groups: 1) nonactivated PRP; 2) thrombin-activated PRP as a positive control for maximal platelets activation; 3) PRF-treated PRP exposed for 20 min to PRF energy generated by neurotherm radio frequency generator at 500 kHz, with a voltage of 40 V and maximal temperature of 42°C; and 4) a combination of groups 2 and 3. RESULTS PRF-induced platelet activation measured by platelet factor 4 (PF4) and ATP release from PRPs was significantly higher compared to nonactivated PRPs, and similar to PF4 and ATP release from thrombin-activated PRPs. Thrombin activation did not potentiate PF4 release in PRF samples and even reduced ATP level. Additionally, PRF neither induced any platelet membrane damage measured by lactic dehydrogenase release from PRP nor modified any platelets viability or metabolism measured by MTT. CONCLUSIONS We confirmed that PRF may activate PRP without additional platelet activators. So, a combination of both methods PRF and PRP application may provide a more effective opportunity for tissue regeneration in dentistry, surgery, dermatology, or in orthopedics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Michno
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Ewelina Gojtowska
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Marek Suchorzewski
- Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Department, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Irmina Śmietańska
- Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Department, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Bartosz Baścik
- Radiology Department, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
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