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Sherwood D, Yang A, Hunt C, Provenzano D, Kohan L, Hurley RW, Cohen SP, Shah V, McCormick ZL. Treating refractory posterior sacroiliac joint complex pain in the current healthcare ecosystem: a call to action. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2023; 24:1131-1132. [PMID: 37267220 PMCID: PMC10546476 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnad071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David Sherwood
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Health Lakewood Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64139, United States
| | - Aaron Yang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, United States
| | - Christine Hunt
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States
| | - David Provenzano
- Pain Diagnostic and Interventional Care, Sewickley, PA 15143, United States
| | - Lynn Kohan
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States
| | - Robert W Hurley
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
| | - Steven P Cohen
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Neurology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Vinil Shah
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Zachary L McCormick
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States
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Amatto A, Burnham T, Teramoto M, Burnham R. The effectiveness and predictive factors of Sacroiliac Joint Radiofrequency Neurotomy success - A retrospective cohort study. INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MEDICINE 2023; 2:100271. [PMID: 39238916 PMCID: PMC11372946 DOI: 10.1016/j.inpm.2023.100271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Background The Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) accounts for 10-27% of lower back pain. Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) is commonly utilized for refractory pain. Outcomes are variable and may be related to patient selection and procedural technique differences. Objective To assess the effectiveness and outcome success predictors of SIJ RFN at three months. Design/Methods Data of patients undergoing SIJ RFN were extracted from the electronic medical record of one physiatrist's interventional pain practice between 2016 and 2021. The extracted data included the following outcome variables: ≥2 decrease in Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) [minimal clinically important difference MCID-2], ≥50% NRS reduction, and ≥17 points decrease in the Pain Disability and Quality of Life Questionnaire - Spine (PDQQ-S) [MCID]. Predictor variables included block type [>79% LBB/LBB, >79% IA/LBB, 50-79% LBB/LBB, 50-79% IA/LBB, >79% LBB, and 50-79% LBB] and cannula type/configuration [16 g/longitudinal, Trident bipolar/perpendicular, and 18 g quadripolar/perpendicular]. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and logistic regression with an odds ratio (OR). Covariates included in the logistic regression models were age, gender, and laterality (right, left, and bilateral). Results Of the 128 patients analyzed for this study (20.8% males; 60.4 ± 14.4 years of age), 66.9% achieved MCID-2 in NRS, 53.9% experienced ≥50% NRS reduction, and 50% experienced ≥17 points decrease in PDQQ-S. Achieving MCID-2 in NRS for the 18 g quadripolar/perpendicular technique was approximately four times higher than the odds for 16 g/longitudinal technique (OR = 3.91; 95% CI = 1.34-11.43; p = 0.013). Block type was not significantly associated with any outcome variable after adjusting for cannula type and other covariates (p > 0.05). Younger age was significantly associated with achieving MCID-2 in NRS, ≥50% NRS reduction, and ≥17 points decrease in PDQQ (p = 0.034, 0.020, and 0.002, respectively). Conclusion SIJ RFN effectively reduces pain and improves function in most patients at three months. Quadripolar/perpendicular technique and younger age predict SIJ RFN treatment success, whereas block type does not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alycia Amatto
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Taylor Burnham
- University of Utah, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Masaru Teramoto
- University of Utah, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Robert Burnham
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Central Alberta Pain and Rehabilitation Institute, Lacombe, AB, Canada
- Vivo Cura Health, Calgary, AB, Canada
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de Sire A, Lippi L, Marotta N, Ferrillo M, Folli A, Turco A, Ammendolia A, Invernizzi M. Myths and truths on biophysics-based approach in rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2023; 15:1759720X231183867. [PMID: 37484926 PMCID: PMC10359654 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x231183867] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are a crucial issue in current literature due to their impact on physical function, social, and economic costs. Rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in the therapeutic management of these disabling conditions with growing evidence underlining positive effects in improving functional outcomes. However, to date, several questions are still open about the mechanisms underpinning functional improvements while recent research is now focusing on a deeper understanding of the biophysical processes underpinning the macroscopical effects of these treatments. Thus, this narrative review aims at providing a comprehensive overview about the state of the art of biophysical dimensions of currently available treatments for MSD. PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL, PEDro, and Web of Science were searched between March 2022 and October 2022 for in vitro and in vivo studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis addressing the issue of biophysics-based approach in rehabilitation of MSD. Our findings showed that a biophysical approach might be integrated into regenerative rehabilitation, aiming at enhancing regenerative processes by mechanical and biophysical stimuli. In addition, a biophysical-based approach has been proposed to improve knowledge about several instrumental physical therapies, including shock wave therapies, low-level laser therapy, ultrasound, short-wave diathermy, electrical stimulation, pulsed electromagnetic field, and vibration therapy. In accordance, emerging research is now focusing on the biophysical properties of several medical procedures to improve pain management in patients with MSD. Taken together, our results showed promising results of the integration of a biophysical-based approach in rehabilitation, albeit several limitations currently limit its implementation in routine clinical setting. Unfortunately, the state of the art is still inconclusive, and the low quality of clinical studies based on the biophysical approach did not provide clear treatment protocols. Further studies are needed to promote a precise rehabilitation approach targeting biological modification and enhancing the functional improvement of patients with MSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicola Marotta
- Division of Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, ‘Magna Graecia’ University, Catanzaro, Italy
- Research Center on Musculoskeletal Health, MusculoSkeletalHealth@UMG, University of Catanzaro ‘Magna Graecia’, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Martina Ferrillo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro ‘Magna Graecia’, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Arianna Folli
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont ‘A. Avogadro’, Novara, Italy
| | - Alessio Turco
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont ‘A. Avogadro’, Novara, Italy
| | - Antonio Ammendolia
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro ‘Magna Graecia’, Catanzaro, Italy
- Research Center on Musculoskeletal Health, MusculoSkeletalHealth@UMG, University of Catanzaro ‘Magna Graecia’, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marco Invernizzi
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont ‘A. Avogadro’, Novara, Italy
- Dipartimento Attività Integrate Ricerca e Innovazione (DAIRI), Translational Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera SS, Alessandria, Italy
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Lee DW, Cheney C, Sherwood D, Wahezi S, Monteiro P, McCormick ZL, Conger A, Duszynski B, Smith CC. The effectiveness and safety of sacral lateral branch radiofrequency neurotomy (SLBRFN): A systematic review. INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MEDICINE 2023; 2:100259. [PMID: 39238662 PMCID: PMC11372997 DOI: 10.1016/j.inpm.2023.100259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Objective To assess the effectiveness and safety of sacral lateral branch radiofrequency neurotomy (SLBRFN) in treating posterior sacroiliac joint complex (PSIJC) pain, stratifying results by patient selection criteria and technique. Design Systematic review. Population Adults over 18 years old with suspected PSIJC pain. Intervention SLBRFN with image guidance (including computed tomography, fluoroscopy, ultrasound). Comparison Any other treatment, sham, or no treatment. Outcomes The primary outcome was improvement in pain reported as continuous data or the proportion of patients obtaining ≥50% reduction in pain scores on either the visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric rating scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes included functional improvement, reported as continuous data or the proportion of patients obtaining ≥30% in function from baseline, and adverse events. Methods Six reviewers independently assessed publications prior to December 2022 in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar and utilized the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework to evaluate the overall quality of evidence. Results Of the 415 publications screened, 37 met the inclusion criteria, with 33 providing sufficient data regarding the effectiveness of SLBRFN. Of the included studies, there were four explanatory randomized controlled trials (RCTs), four pragmatic RCTs, 11 prospective cohort studies, 14 retrospective cohort studies, and four case reports describing adverse events. At 6 months, the proportion of patients with ≥50% pain relief ranged from 19 to 89%. Studies providing continuous data reported that patients achieved 40-60% pain relief sustained at 12 months. There was heterogeneity in reporting functional improvement, but most studies noted improvement. While all studies that reported categorical outcomes targeted the S1-3 sacral lateral branches, the majority also included RFN of the L5 dorsal ramus. Successful outcomes were reported in patients selected by the response to intra-articular blocks (single or dual) or sacral lateral branch blocks (single or dual). Twenty-nine total adverse events and three serious adverse events (SAE) were reported across 1367 patients. According to the GRADE system, there is moderate-quality evidence overall that SLBRFN effectively reduces pain and disability in a majority of patients with PSIJC pain at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. When anatomically validated SLBRFN techniques are assessed, the level of evidence is upgraded to high quality. Discussion/conclusion Despite the variability in types of radiofrequency technology, technique, nerve targets, and study methodology, most studies found that substantial proportions of patients achieved ≥50% relief at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months following SLBRFN. When anatomically validated SLBRFN techniques are applied, there is a high level of confidence that the procedure effectively reduces pain and improves function in patients with PSIJC pain. Additional high-quality studies exploring the prognostic value of different block protocols and the relative effectiveness of the various SLBRFN procedure techniques are needed to further optimize the clinical outcomes of SLBRFN.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Lee
- Fullerton Orthopedic Surgery Medical Group, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - Cole Cheney
- Mayo Clinic Health Systems, Mankato, MN, USA
| | - David Sherwood
- University Health Lakewood Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | | | - Pedro Monteiro
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, Neurosurgery Department, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Zachary L McCormick
- University of Utah, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Aaron Conger
- University of Utah, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Clark C Smith
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
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The Role of Hypertonic Saline in Ablative Radiofrequency of the Sacroiliac Joint: Observational Study of 40 Patients. Clin Pract 2022; 13:65-70. [PMID: 36648846 PMCID: PMC9844269 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract13010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this retrospective uncontrolled article is to illustrate a technique of neurotomy of the sensitive branches of S1 S2 S3 in RFA that appears to result in a better success rate and longer-lasting pain relief. METHODS 40 patients were treated, 26 females and 14 males, with an average age of 74 (92-55). After the examination, the patients underwent an ultrasound-guided diagnostic block of the affected sacroiliac joint. Only patients who presented pain relief greater than 60% after the diagnostic block were candidates for the RFA procedure. The procedure was always performed in the operating room on an outpatient basis. After obtaining the best fluoroscopic visualization of the joint to be treated, two RFA cannulae were placed starting from the lower medial margin parallel to the SIJ to perform a bipolar RFA along the entire medial margin of the SIJ. Lidocaine 2% and hypertonic saline 2 mEq/mL were used for each RFA level. Patients were followed-up at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months by evaluating the NRS and SF-12. RESULTS Patients reported extreme satisfaction with the procedure performed and reported a significant improvement in NRS and SF-12 at FU visits. No adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS Bipolar RFA treatment of the sacroiliac joint with the use of a hypertonic saline solution appears to improve the success of the method and its durability. We are inclined to believe that the use of hypertonic saline may significantly increase the lesion area and result in a greater effect on the sensory branches.
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de Sire A, Lippi L, Mezian K, Calafiore D, Pellegrino R, Mascaro G, Cisari C, Invernizzi M. Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich-plasma injections for reducing sacroiliac joint pain: A paradigmatic case report and literature review. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2022; 35:977-982. [PMID: 35431228 DOI: 10.3233/bmr-210310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sacro-iliac joint (SIJ) pain is an often-misdiagnosed cause (up to 30% cases) of atypical low back pain (LBP) that might be treated with a wide range of conservative interventions. However, Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) ultrasound-guided injections at SIJ level in subjects with mitochondrial disorders have not yet been investigated. CASE PRESENTATION A 52-year-old Caucasian male with fluoroquinolone-related mitochondrial dysfunction referred to a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Outpatient, complaining of severe SIJ pain (Numeric Pain Related Scale, NPRS=8). We performed two bilateral PRP ultrasound-guided injections at the sacro-iliac level. PRP is a simple, efficient, and minimally invasive approach. After the first PRP injection, there was a considerable reduction of pain (NPRS=8 vs 5). The second PRP infiltration was performed after 2 weeks and in both cases no adverse events. At the 6-month follow-up evaluation, the patient showed good physical recovery, with the absence of pain (NPRS=0). CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature assessing the safety and effectiveness of PRP ultrasound-guided injections for SIJ pain in a patient affected by mitochondrial disorders. Thus, this case report might have relevant clinical implications in the treatment of SIJ pain in patients affected by this rare pathological condition, albeit further observational studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro de Sire
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lippi
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Kamal Mezian
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dario Calafiore
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Neurosciences, ASST Carlo Poma, Mantova, Italy
| | - Raffaello Pellegrino
- Antalgic Mini-invasive and Rehab-Outpatients Unit, Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Gennaro Mascaro
- Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology Unit, University Hospital "Maggiore della Carità", Novara, Italy
| | - Carlo Cisari
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Marco Invernizzi
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy.,Translational Medicine, Dipartimento Attività Integrate Ricerca e Innovazione (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
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McCormick ZL, Sperry BP, Boody BS, Hirsch JA, Conger A, Harper K, Lotz JC, Burnham TR. Pain Location and Exacerbating Activities Associated with Treatment Success Following Basivertebral Nerve Ablation: An Aggregated Cohort Study of Multicenter Prospective Clinical Trial Data. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2022; 23:S14-S33. [PMID: 35856332 PMCID: PMC9297150 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnac069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Develop pain location "maps" and investigate the relationship between low back pain (LBP)-exacerbating activities and treatment response to basivertebral nerve radiofrequency ablation (BVN RFA) in patients with clinically suspected vertebral endplate pain (VEP). DESIGN Aggregated cohort study of 296 patients treated with BVN RFA at 33 centers in three prospective trials. METHODS Participant demographics, pain diagrams, and LBP-exacerbating activities were analyzed for predictors using stepwise logistic regression. Treatment success definitions were: (1) ≥50% LBP visual analog scale (VAS), (2) ≥15-point Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and (3) ≥50% VAS or ≥15-point ODI improvements at 3 months post-BVN RFA. RESULTS Midline LBP correlated with BVN RFA treatment success in individuals with clinically-suspected VEP. Duration of pain ≥5 years (OR 2.366), lack of epidural steroid injection within 6 months before BVN RFA (OR 1.800), lack of baseline opioid use (OR 1.965), LBP exacerbation with activity (OR 2.099), and a lack of LBP with spinal extension (OR 1.845) were factors associated with increased odds of treatment success. Regressions areas under the curve (AUCs) were under 70%, indicative of low predictive value. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that midline LBP correlates with BVN RFA treatment success in individuals with VEP. While none of the regression models demonstrated strong predictive value, the pain location and exacerbating factors identified in this analysis may aid clinicians in identifying patients where VEP should be more strongly suspected. The use of objective imaging biomarkers (Type 1 and/or 2 Modic changes) and a correlating presentation of anterior spinal element pain remain the most useful patient selection factors for BVN RFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary L McCormick
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Beau P Sperry
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Joshua A Hirsch
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aaron Conger
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey C Lotz
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Taylor R Burnham
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Yang AJ, Schneider BJ, Miller S. Sacroiliac Joint Interventions. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2022; 33:251-265. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Bogduk N. Physical examination tests technical accuracy of sacral lateral branch RFN. INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MEDICINE 2022; 1:100079. [PMID: 39238812 PMCID: PMC11372880 DOI: 10.1016/j.inpm.2022.100079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
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Vorobeychik Y, Shah B, Gordin V, Giampetro D, Khunsriraksakul C, Vu TN. Assessment of technical adequacy of sacral lateral branches cooled radiofrequency neurotomy. INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MEDICINE 2022; 1:100069. [PMID: 39238816 PMCID: PMC11372988 DOI: 10.1016/j.inpm.2022.100069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Objective There were two primary objectives of the study: 1. assessment of the association between diagnostic sacral lateral branches (SLB) blocks and the ensuing numbness in the middle cluneal nerves (MCN) distribution, irrespective of whether the patients had positive or negative responses to blocks. 2. If the consistency of this causal relationship was established, we wanted to investigate a further correlation - hypoesthesia from local anesthetic blocks vs. hypoesthesia from radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) vs. outcomes. Design This is a prospective observational study of sixty consecutive patients with sacroiliac (SI) joint complex pain and failure of previous intraarticular SI joint injection. The patients who had two positive diagnostic SLB blocks defined as ≥ 75% reduction in NRS scores were treated with cooled RFN of the L5 dorsal ramus and S1-S3 lateral branches. The patients were interviewed and evaluated at a one-month post-neurotomy follow-up appointment. Seven patients were also evaluated at a six-month follow-up visit after the procedure. Methods The primary outcomes of the study were absence/presence of post-procedural buttock hypoesthesia after diagnostic blocks and absence/presence of post-procedural buttock hypoesthesia at one month after a cooled RFN procedure. The secondary outcome measures related to the effectiveness of this procedure and included: pre- and post-procedure NRS scores; ODI scores initially, and at post RFN follow-up; analgesic consumption initially, and at one-month RFN follow-up; patient satisfaction with the cooled RFN treatment. A procedure was considered categorically successful if the patient gained ≥50% pain relief and was satisfied with its results. Results 81/84 (96.4%; 95% CI [89.9%, 99.3%]) of the diagnostic SLB blocks lead to temporary sensory deficit to pinprick in the MCN distribution. If the block was positive, 58/58 (100.00%; 95% CI [93.8, 100.00%]) of the procedures led to hypoesthesia. For negative diagnostic blocks, 3/26 (11.5%; 95% CI [2.4%, 30.2%]) procedures lead to no hypoesthesia. The buttock hypoesthesia persisted in all patients with successful cooled RFN one month after this intervention. Among the patients with unsuccessful RFN, only 2/9 (22.2%, 95%CI [2.8%, 60.0]) still had hypoesthesia, but the rest of this group had no sensory deficit on pinprick examination. At 6-months follow-up buttock hypoesthesia had no association with the success of the procedure.The patients' average NRS scores decreased from baseline 7.1 (SD 1.7) to 4.3 (SD 3.3) at 1-month follow-up after RFN. Categorical success, based on ≥50% pain relief coupled with patients' satisfaction, was achieved in 12/21 (57.1%; 95% CI [34.0%, 78.2%]) of the subjects. Average ODI percentage score decreased from 41.7% (SD 15.1%) to 31.8% (SD 17.8%) at the primary endpoint of the study. Conclusion MCNs provide regular and clinically detectable innervation to the skin area overlaying posterior-medial aspects of the gluteus maximums muscle. Therefore, any technically accurate diagnostic block, irrespective of whether the patients have positive or negative responses, should result in the development of hypoesthesia in the area supplied by the MCNs. Immediately after the completion of the diagnostic procedure, the adequacy of the block should be tested. Absence of hypoesthesia suggests that the block may have been technically inadequate. Numbness in the buttock area innervated by the MCNs may serve as a marker of an adequately performed RFN procedure. If this procedure is unsuccessful in patients who do not develop post-neurotomy numbness in the area supplied by the MCNs, the failure of the intervention may stem from its inaccurate implementation rather than from its inherent ineffectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakov Vorobeychik
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, HU32, 500 University Drive, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA
| | - Bunty Shah
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, HU32, 500 University Drive, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA
| | - Vitaly Gordin
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, HU32, 500 University Drive, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA
| | - David Giampetro
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, HU32, 500 University Drive, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA
| | | | - To-Nhu Vu
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, HU32, 500 University Drive, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA
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