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Karri J, Cohen SP. High-intensity focused ultrasound as the savior for lumbar facet joint neurotomy: fact, fad, or fiction? Reg Anesth Pain Med 2024:rapm-2024-105515. [PMID: 38724269 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2024-105515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jay Karri
- Orthopedic Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven P Cohen
- Professor of Anesthesiology, Neurology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Professor of Anesthesiology, Neurology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Anesthesiology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Klessinger S, Casser HR, Gillner S, Koepp H, Kopf A, Legat M, Meiler K, Norda H, Schneider M, Scholz M, Slotty PJ, Tronnier V, Vazan M, Wiechert K. Radiofrequency Denervation of the Spine and the Sacroiliac Joint: A Systematic Review based on the Grades of Recommendations, Assesment, Development, and Evaluation Approach Resulting in a German National Guideline. Global Spine J 2024:21925682241230922. [PMID: 38321700 DOI: 10.1177/21925682241230922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Systematic review of the literature and subsequent meta-analysis for the development of a new guideline. OBJECTIVES This manuscript summarizes the recommendations from a new clinical guideline published by the German Spine Society. It covers the current evidence on recommendations regarding the indication, test blocks and use of radiofrequency denervation. The guidelines aim is to improve patient care and efficiency of the procedure. METHODS A multidisciplinary working group formulated recommendations based on the Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. RESULTS 20 clinical questions were defined for guideline development, with 87.5% consensus achieved by committee members for one recommendation and 100% consensus for all other topics. Specific questions that were addressed included clinical history, examination and imaging, conservative treatment before injections, diagnostic blocks, the injected medications, the cut-off value in pain-reduction for a diagnostic block as well as the number of blocks, image guidance, the cannula trajectories, the lesion size, stimulation, repeat radiofrequency denervation, sedation, cessation or continuation of anticoagulants, the influence of metal hardware, and ways to mitigate complications. CONCLUSION Radiofrequency (RF) denervation of the spine and the SI joint may provide benefit to well-selected individuals. The recommendations of this guideline are based on very low to moderate quality of evidence as well as professional consensus. The guideline working groups recommend that research efforts in relation to all aspects of management of facet joint pain and SI joint pain should be intensified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Klessinger
- Neurochirurgie Biberach, Biberach, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Holger Koepp
- Wirbelsäulenzentrum, St Josefs-Hospital, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Andreas Kopf
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie mit Schwerpunkt operative Intensivmedizin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Matti Scholz
- ATOS Orthopädische Klinik Braunfels GmbH & Co KG, Braunfels, Germany
| | | | | | - Martin Vazan
- Wirbelsäulen- und Rückenzentrum Dresden, Praxis für Neurochirurgie, Dresden, Germany
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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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4
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Hurley RW, Adams MCB, Barad M, Bhaskar A, Bhatia A, Chadwick A, Deer TR, Hah J, Hooten WM, Kissoon NR, Lee DW, Mccormick Z, Moon JY, Narouze S, Provenzano DA, Schneider BJ, van Eerd M, Van Zundert J, Wallace MS, Wilson SM, Zhao Z, Cohen SP. Consensus practice guidelines on interventions for cervical spine (facet) joint pain from a multispecialty international working group. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2021; 22:2443-2524. [PMID: 34788462 PMCID: PMC8633772 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The past two decades have witnessed a surge in the use of cervical spine joint procedures including joint injections, nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation to treat chronic neck pain, yet many aspects of the procedures remain controversial. METHODS In August 2020, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine and the American Academy of Pain Medicine approved and charged the Cervical Joint Working Group to develop neck pain guidelines. Eighteen stakeholder societies were identified, and formal request-for-participation and member nomination letters were sent to those organizations. Participating entities selected panel members and an ad hoc steering committee selected preliminary questions, which were then revised by the full committee. Each question was assigned to a module composed of 4-5 members, who worked with the Subcommittee Lead and the Committee Chairs on preliminary versions, which were sent to the full committee after revisions. We used a modified Delphi method whereby the questions were sent to the committee en bloc and comments were returned in a non-blinded fashion to the Chairs, who incorporated the comments and sent out revised versions until consensus was reached. Before commencing, it was agreed that a recommendation would be noted with >50% agreement among committee members, but a consensus recommendation would require ≥75% agreement. RESULTS Twenty questions were selected, with 100% consensus achieved in committee on 17 topics. Among participating organizations, 14 of 15 that voted approved or supported the guidelines en bloc, with 14 questions being approved with no dissensions or abstentions. Specific questions addressed included the value of clinical presentation and imaging in selecting patients for procedures, whether conservative treatment should be used before injections, whether imaging is necessary for blocks, diagnostic and prognostic value of medial branch blocks and intra-articular joint injections, the effects of sedation and injectate volume on validity, whether facet blocks have therapeutic value, what the ideal cut-off value is for designating a block as positive, how many blocks should be performed before radiofrequency ablation, the orientation of electrodes, whether larger lesions translate into higher success rates, whether stimulation should be used before radiofrequency ablation, how best to mitigate complication risks, if different standards should be applied to clinical practice and trials, and the indications for repeating radiofrequency ablation. CONCLUSIONS Cervical medial branch radiofrequency ablation may provide benefit to well-selected individuals, with medial branch blocks being more predictive than intra-articular injections. More stringent selection criteria are likely to improve denervation outcomes, but at the expense of false-negatives (ie, lower overall success rate). Clinical trials should be tailored based on objectives, and selection criteria for some may be more stringent than what is ideal in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Hurley
- Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Meredith C B Adams
- Anesthesiology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Meredith Barad
- Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford Hospital and Clinics, Redwood City, California, USA
| | - Arun Bhaskar
- Anesthesiology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust Haemodialysis Clinic, Hayes Satellite Unit, Hayes, UK
| | - Anuj Bhatia
- Anesthesia and Pain Management, University of Toronto and University Health Network - Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Chadwick
- Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Timothy R Deer
- Spine and Nerve Center of the Virginias, West Virginia University - Health Sciences Campus, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Jennifer Hah
- Anesthesiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | | | | | - David Wonhee Lee
- Fullerton Orthopaedic Surgery Medical Group, Fullerton, California, USA
| | - Zachary Mccormick
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jee Youn Moon
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, South Korea
| | - Samer Narouze
- Center for Pain Medicine, Summa Western Reserve Hospital, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA
| | - David A Provenzano
- Pain Diagnostics and Interventional Care, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, USA
- Pain Diagnostics and Interventional Care, Edgeworth, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Byron J Schneider
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Maarten van Eerd
- Anesthesiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Van Zundert
- Anesthesiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Mark S Wallace
- Anesthesiology, UCSD Medical Center - Thornton Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Zirong Zhao
- Neurology, VA Healthcare Center District of Columbia, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Steven P Cohen
- Anesthesia, WRNMMC, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, WRNMMC, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Anesthesiology, Neurology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Psychiatry, Pain Medicine Division, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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5
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Hurley RW, Adams MCB, Barad M, Bhaskar A, Bhatia A, Chadwick A, Deer TR, Hah J, Hooten WM, Kissoon NR, Lee DW, Mccormick Z, Moon JY, Narouze S, Provenzano DA, Schneider BJ, van Eerd M, Van Zundert J, Wallace MS, Wilson SM, Zhao Z, Cohen SP. Consensus practice guidelines on interventions for cervical spine (facet) joint pain from a multispecialty international working group. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2021; 47:3-59. [PMID: 34764220 PMCID: PMC8639967 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2021-103031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background The past two decades have witnessed a surge in the use of cervical spine joint
procedures including joint injections, nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation to treat
chronic neck pain, yet many aspects of the procedures remain controversial. Methods In August 2020, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine and the
American Academy of Pain Medicine approved and charged the Cervical Joint Working Group
to develop neck pain guidelines. Eighteen stakeholder societies were identified, and
formal request-for-participation and member nomination letters were sent to those
organizations. Participating entities selected panel members and an ad hoc steering
committee selected preliminary questions, which were then revised by the full committee.
Each question was assigned to a module composed of 4–5 members, who worked with
the Subcommittee Lead and the Committee Chairs on preliminary versions, which were sent
to the full committee after revisions. We used a modified Delphi method whereby the
questions were sent to the committee en bloc and comments were returned in a non-blinded
fashion to the Chairs, who incorporated the comments and sent out revised versions until
consensus was reached. Before commencing, it was agreed that a recommendation would be
noted with >50% agreement among committee members, but a consensus
recommendation would require ≥75% agreement. Results Twenty questions were selected, with 100% consensus achieved in committee on 17
topics. Among participating organizations, 14 of 15 that voted approved or supported the
guidelines en bloc, with 14 questions being approved with no dissensions or abstentions.
Specific questions addressed included the value of clinical presentation and imaging in
selecting patients for procedures, whether conservative treatment should be used before
injections, whether imaging is necessary for blocks, diagnostic and prognostic value of
medial branch blocks and intra-articular joint injections, the effects of sedation and
injectate volume on validity, whether facet blocks have therapeutic value, what the
ideal cut-off value is for designating a block as positive, how many blocks should be
performed before radiofrequency ablation, the orientation of electrodes, whether larger
lesions translate into higher success rates, whether stimulation should be used before
radiofrequency ablation, how best to mitigate complication risks, if different standards
should be applied to clinical practice and trials, and the indications for repeating
radiofrequency ablation. Conclusions Cervical medial branch radiofrequency ablation may provide benefit to well-selected
individuals, with medial branch blocks being more predictive than intra-articular
injections. More stringent selection criteria are likely to improve denervation
outcomes, but at the expense of false-negatives (ie, lower overall success rate).
Clinical trials should be tailored based on objectives, and selection criteria for some
may be more stringent than what is ideal in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Hurley
- Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Meredith C B Adams
- Anesthesiology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Meredith Barad
- Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford Hospital and Clinics, Redwood City, California, USA
| | - Arun Bhaskar
- Anesthesiology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust Haemodialysis Clinic, Hayes Satellite Unit, Hayes, UK
| | - Anuj Bhatia
- Anesthesia and Pain Management, University of Toronto and University Health Network - Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Chadwick
- Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Timothy R Deer
- Spine and Nerve Center of the Virginias, West Virginia University - Health Sciences Campus, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Jennifer Hah
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | | | | | - David Wonhee Lee
- Fullerton Orthopaedic Surgery Medical Group, Fullerton, California, USA
| | - Zachary Mccormick
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jee Youn Moon
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, South Korea
| | - Samer Narouze
- Center for Pain Medicine, Summa Western Reserve Hospital, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA
| | - David A Provenzano
- Pain Diagnostics and Interventional Care, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, USA.,Pain Diagnostics and Interventional Care, Edgeworth, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Byron J Schneider
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Maarten van Eerd
- Anesthesiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Van Zundert
- Anesthesiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Mark S Wallace
- Anesthesiology, UCSD Medical Center - Thornton Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Zirong Zhao
- Neurology, VA Healthcare Center District of Columbia, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Steven P Cohen
- Anesthesiology, Neurology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Psychiatry, Pain Medicine Division, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Lee DW, Pritzlaff S, Jung MJ, Ghosh P, Hagedorn JM, Tate J, Scarfo K, Strand N, Chakravarthy K, Sayed D, Deer TR, Amirdelfan K. Latest Evidence-Based Application for Radiofrequency Neurotomy (LEARN): Best Practice Guidelines from the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN). J Pain Res 2021; 14:2807-2831. [PMID: 34526815 PMCID: PMC8436449 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s325665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN), also known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), is a common interventional procedure used to treat pain from an innervated structure. RFN has historically been used to treat chronic facet-joint mediated pain. The use of RFN has more recently expanded beyond facet-joint mediated pain to peripherally innervated targets. In addition, there has also been the emergence of different radiofrequency modalities, including pulsed and cooled RFN. The use of RFN has been particularly important where conservative and/or surgical measures have failed to provide pain relief. With the emergence of this therapeutic option and its novel applications, the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) identified the need for formal evidence-based guidance. The authors formed a multidisciplinary work group tasked to examine the latest evidence-based medicine for the various applications of RFN, including cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine; posterior sacroiliac joint pain; hip and knee joints; and occipital neuralgia. Best practice guidelines, evidence and consensus grading were provided for each anatomical target.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Lee
- Fullerton Orthopedic Surgery Medical Group, Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA
| | - Scott Pritzlaff
- University of California, Davis.,Division of Pain Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Michael J Jung
- University of California, Davis.,Division of Pain Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | - Jonathan M Hagedorn
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jordan Tate
- Alliance Spine and Pain Centers, Canton, GA, USA
| | - Keith Scarfo
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University Department of Neurosurgery - Norman Prince Spine Institute, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Natalie Strand
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Dawood Sayed
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Timothy R Deer
- The Spine and Nerve Center of the Virginias, Inc., Charleston, WV, USA
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Shi W, Rudra R, Vu TN, Gordin Y, Smith R, Kunselman AR. Sensory Stimulation Threshold: A Viable Tool to Improve the Outcome of Lumbar Facet Radiofrequency Denervation? J Pain Res 2021; 14:2113-2119. [PMID: 34285571 PMCID: PMC8286126 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s319622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sensory stimulation threshold (SST) has been used as a surrogate marker to target a nerve branch for radiofrequency (RF) denervation; however, the validity of SST as a prognostic marker is still under debate. Objective To assess whether lower SST values correlate with better outcomes of radiofrequency denervation for facetogenic low back pain. Design Prospective cohort study. Patients Sixty-seven patients who underwent radiofrequency denervation for low back pain. Methods Correlations, between the average percentage of pain relief from diagnostic medial branch block (MBB) and RF denervation procedure outcome, and between SST and RF denervation procedure outcome, were analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficient (rs). Wilcoxon rank sum test was performed to assess whether magnitude and duration of pain relief following RF denervation differed by the levels of SST (<0.5 and ≥0.5) or pain relief (<80% and ≥80%) from diagnostic MBB. Results There was a positive correlation between pain relief after diagnostic MBB and pain relief 2 weeks after denervation (rs 0.31, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.51, p < 0.01), but not between pain relief after MBB and pain relief 6 months after denervation, nor pain relief duration after denervation. There was a negative correlation between SST and pain relief 6 months after denervation (rs −0.41, 95% CI −0.59 to −0.18, p < 0.001). There was also a negative correlation between SST and pain relief duration after denervation (rs −0.33, 95% CI −0.53 to −0.09, p < 0.01). Conclusion SST is a viable measurement with which to guide needle placement during RF denervation for lumbar facet pain, and enhances pain relief outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weibin Shi
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Penn State Health Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.,Penn State Hershey Rehabilitation Hospital, Hummelstown, PA, USA
| | - Renuka Rudra
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Penn State Health Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.,Penn State Hershey Rehabilitation Hospital, Hummelstown, PA, USA
| | - To-Nhu Vu
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Yuri Gordin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Penn State Health Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.,Penn State Hershey Rehabilitation Hospital, Hummelstown, PA, USA
| | - Ryan Smith
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Penn State Health Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.,Penn State Hershey Rehabilitation Hospital, Hummelstown, PA, USA
| | - Allen R Kunselman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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8
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De Andrés Ares J, Gilsanz F. Randomized Pragmatic Pilot Trial Comparing Perpendicular Thin Electrode Versus Parallel Thick Electrode Approaches for Lumbar Medial Branch Neurotomy in Facetogenic Low Back Pain. Pain Pract 2020; 20:889-907. [DOI: 10.1111/papr.12928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Cohen SP, Bhaskar A, Bhatia A, Buvanendran A, Deer T, Garg S, Hooten WM, Hurley RW, Kennedy DJ, McLean BC, Moon JY, Narouze S, Pangarkar S, Provenzano DA, Rauck R, Sitzman BT, Smuck M, van Zundert J, Vorenkamp K, Wallace MS, Zhao Z. Consensus practice guidelines on interventions for lumbar facet joint pain from a multispecialty, international working group. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2020; 45:424-467. [PMID: 32245841 PMCID: PMC7362874 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2019-101243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The past two decades have witnessed a surge in the use of lumbar facet blocks and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat low back pain (LBP), yet nearly all aspects of the procedures remain controversial. METHODS After approval by the Board of Directors of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, letters were sent to a dozen pain societies, as well as representatives from the US Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense. A steering committee was convened to select preliminary questions, which were revised by the full committee. Questions were assigned to 4-5 person modules, who worked with the Subcommittee Lead and Committee Chair on preliminary versions, which were sent to the full committee. We used a modified Delphi method, whereby the questions were sent to the committee en bloc and comments were returned in a non-blinded fashion to the Chair, who incorporated the comments and sent out revised versions until consensus was reached. RESULTS 17 questions were selected for guideline development, with 100% consensus achieved by committee members on all topics. All societies except for one approved every recommendation, with one society dissenting on two questions (number of blocks and cut-off for a positive block before RFA), but approving the document. Specific questions that were addressed included the value of history and physical examination in selecting patients for blocks, the value of imaging in patient selection, whether conservative treatment should be used before injections, whether imaging is necessary for block performance, the diagnostic and prognostic value of medial branch blocks (MBB) and intra-articular (IA) injections, the effects of sedation and injectate volume on validity, whether facet blocks have therapeutic value, what the ideal cut-off value is for a prognostic block, how many blocks should be performed before RFA, how electrodes should be oriented, the evidence for larger lesions, whether stimulation should be used before RFA, ways to mitigate complications, if different standards should be applied to clinical practice and clinical trials and the evidence for repeating RFA (see table 12 for summary). CONCLUSIONS Lumbar medial branch RFA may provide benefit to well-selected individuals, with MBB being more predictive than IA injections. More stringent selection criteria are likely to improve denervation outcomes, but at the expense of more false-negatives. Clinical trials should be tailored based on objectives, and selection criteria for some may be more stringent than what is ideal in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P Cohen
- Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine Division, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Arun Bhaskar
- Anesthesiology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust Haemodialysis Clinic Hayes Satellite Unit, Hayes, UK
| | - Anuj Bhatia
- Anesthesia and Pain Management, University of Toronto and University Health Network-Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Tim Deer
- Spine & Nerve Centers, Charleston, West Virginia, USA
| | - Shuchita Garg
- Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Robert W Hurley
- Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - David J Kennedy
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brian C McLean
- Anesthesiology, Tripler Army Medical Center, Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii, USA
| | - Jee Youn Moon
- Dept of Anesthesiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, The Republic of Korea
| | - Samer Narouze
- Center for Pain Medicine, Summa Western Reserve Hospital, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA
| | - Sanjog Pangarkar
- Dept of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Richard Rauck
- Carolinas Pain Institute, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Matthew Smuck
- Dept.of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jan van Zundert
- Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Lanaken, Belgium
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mark S Wallace
- Anesthesiology, UCSD Medical Center-Thornton Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Zirong Zhao
- Neurology, VA Healthcare Center District of Columbia, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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McCormick ZL, Choi H, Reddy R, Syed RH, Bhave M, Kendall MC, Khan D, Nagpal G, Teramoto M, Walega DR. Randomized prospective trial of cooled versus traditional radiofrequency ablation of the medial branch nerves for the treatment of lumbar facet joint pain. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2019; 44:389-397. [PMID: 30777903 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2018-000035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES No previous study has assessed the outcomes of cooled radiofrequency ablation (C-RFA) of the medial branch nerves (MBN) for the treatment of lumbar facet joint pain nor compared its effectiveness with traditional RFA (T-RFA). This study evaluated 6-month outcomes for pain, function, psychometrics, and medication usage in patients who underwent MBN C-RFA versus T-RFA for lumbar Z-joint pain. METHODS In this blinded, prospective trial, patients with positive diagnostic MBN blocks (>75% relief) were randomized to MBN C-RFA or T-RFA. The primary outcome was the proportion of 'responders' (≥50% Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) reduction) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included NRS, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Patient Global Impression of Change. RESULTS Forty-three participants were randomized to MBN C-RFA (n=21) or T-RFA (n=22). There were no significant differences in demographic variables (p>0.05). A ≥50% NRS reduction was observed in 52% (95% CI 31% to 74%) and 44% (95% CI 22% to 69%) of participants in the C-RFA and T-RFA groups, respectively (p=0.75). A ≥15-point or ≥30% reduction in ODI score was observed in 62% (95% CI 38% to 82%) and 44% (95% CI 22% to 69%) of participants in the C-RFA and T-RFA groups, respectively (p=0.21). CONCLUSIONS When using a single diagnostic block paradigm with a threshold of >75% pain reduction, both treatment with both C-RFA and T-RFA resulted in a success rate of approximately 50% when defined by both improvement in pain and physical function at 6-month follow-up. While the success rate was higher in the C-RFA group, this difference was not statistically significant. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02478437.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary L McCormick
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Heejung Choi
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Rajiv Reddy
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Raafay H Syed
- Department of Orthopedics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Meghan Bhave
- Northwest Suburban Pain Center, Schaumberg, Illinois, USA
| | - Mark C Kendall
- Department of Anesthesiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Dost Khan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Geeta Nagpal
- Department of Anesthesiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Masaru Teramoto
- Department of Anesthesiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - David R Walega
- Department of Anesthesiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Interpreting the MINT Randomized Trials Evaluating Radiofrequency Ablation for Lumbar Facet and Sacroiliac Joint Pain. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2018; 43:68-71. [DOI: 10.1097/aap.0000000000000699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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12
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Koh JC, Kim DH, Lee YW, Choi JB, Ha DH, An JW. Relationship between paravertebral muscle twitching and long-term effects of radiofrequency medial branch neurotomy. Korean J Pain 2017; 30:296-303. [PMID: 29123625 PMCID: PMC5665742 DOI: 10.3344/kjp.2017.30.4.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To achieve a prolonged therapeutic effect in patients with lumbar facet joint syndrome, radiofrequency medial branch neurotomy (RF-MB) is commonly performed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of paravertebral muscle twitching when performing RF-MB in patients with lumbar facet joint syndrome. Methods We collected and analyzed data from 68 patients with confirmed facet joint syndrome. Sensory stimulation was performed at 50 Hz with a 0.5 V cut-off value. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the twitching of the paravertebral muscle during 2 Hz motor stimulation: ‘Complete’, when twitching was observed at all needles; ‘Partial’, when twitching was present at 1 or 2 needles; and ‘None’, when no twitching was observed. The relationship between the long-term effects of RF-MB and paravertebral muscle twitching was analyzed. Results The mean effect duration of RF-MB was 4.6, 5.8, and 7.0 months in the None, Partial, and Complete groups, respectively (P = 0.47). Although the mean effect duration of RF-MB did not increase significantly in proportion to the paravertebral muscle twitching, the Complete group had prolonged effect duration (> 6 months) than the None group in subgroup analysis. (P = 0.03). Conclusions Paravertebral muscle twitching while performing lumbar RF-MB may be a reliable predictor of long-term efficacy when sensory provocation under 0.5 V is achieved. However, further investigation may be necessary for clarifying its clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Chul Koh
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Do Hyeong Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Youn Woo Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Bum Choi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Dong Hun Ha
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Won An
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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McCormick ZL, Korn M, Reddy R, Marcolina A, Dayanim D, Mattie R, Cushman D, Bhave M, McCarthy RJ, Khan D, Nagpal G, Walega DR. Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation of the Genicular Nerves for Chronic Pain due to Knee Osteoarthritis: Six-Month Outcomes. PAIN MEDICINE 2017; 18:1631-1641. [DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnx069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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14
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Precision targeting for neuroablative therapies: the future of interventional pain medicine. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2016; 39:447-9. [PMID: 25340482 DOI: 10.1097/aap.0000000000000174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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16
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Costandi S, Garcia-Jacques M, Dews T, Kot M, Wong K, Azer G, Atalla J, Looka M, Nasr E, Mekhail N. Optimal Temperature for Radiofrequency Ablation of Lumbar Medial Branches for Treatment of Facet-Mediated Back Pain. Pain Pract 2015; 16:961-968. [PMID: 26369502 DOI: 10.1111/papr.12346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the medial branch nerves that innervate the facet joints is a well-established treatment modality; however, studies to determine the optimal radiofrequency ablation temperature are lacking. A wide range (70 to 90°C) has been used. This study aimed to compare outcomes with two set temperatures for the lumbar facet medial branch ablation, 90 and 80°C. METHODS This retrospective study compared the degree of patient self-reported functional improvement relief, postoperative opioid dose changes, as well as duration among lumbar facet medial branch (RFA) patients who had the procedures performed at 80 or 90°C. RESULTS Patients who underwent the procedure at 90°C had 3.1 (95% CI 1.7, 6.5) times the odds (P = 0.0004) of reporting functional improvement of at least 50% when compared to those who underwent neurotomy at 80°C. For self-reported functional improvement greater or equal to 75%, the results were sustained with an odds ratio of 2.8 (95% CI 1.2, 5.7) favoring those with 90°C temperature neurotomy (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION There seems to be significant functional improvement associated with temp of 90°C compared to 80°C, with no added risk of complications. Randomized controlled studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrif Costandi
- Department of Pain Management, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.,Evidence Based Pain Medicine Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A
| | | | - Teresa Dews
- Department of Pain Management, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A
| | - Michael Kot
- Department of General Anesthesiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A
| | - Kevin Wong
- Department of General Anesthesiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A
| | - Gerges Azer
- Evidence Based Pain Medicine Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A
| | | | | | - Elie Nasr
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A
| | - Nagy Mekhail
- Department of Pain Management, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.,Evidence Based Pain Medicine Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A
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Radiofrequency for the Treatment of Lumbar Radicular Pain: Impact on Surgical Indications. PAIN RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2015; 2015:392856. [PMID: 26351581 PMCID: PMC4553181 DOI: 10.1155/2015/392856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Study Design. Quasiexperimental study. Objective. To investigate whether radiofrequency treatment can preclude the need for spinal surgery in both the short term and long term. Background. Radiofrequency is commonly used to treat lumbosacral radicular pain. Only few studies have evaluated its effects on surgical indications. Methods. We conducted a quasiexperimental study of 43 patients who had been scheduled for spinal surgery. Radiofrequency was indicated for 25 patients. The primary endpoint was the decision of the patient to reject spinal surgery 1 month and 1 year after treatment (pulsed radiofrequency of dorsal root ganglion, 76%; conventional radiofrequency of the medial branch, 12%; combined technique, 12%). The primary endpoint was the decision of the patient to reject spinal surgery 1 month and 1 year after treatment. In addition, we also evaluated adverse effects, ODI, NRS. Results. We observed after treatment with radiofrequency 80% of patients rejected spinal surgery in the short term and 76% in the long term. We conclude that radiofrequency is a useful treatment strategy that can achieve very similar outcomes to spinal surgery. Patients also reported a very high level of satisfaction (84% satisfied/very satisfied). We also found that optimization of the electrical parameters of the radiofrequency improved the outcome of this technique.
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18
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Veizi E, Hayek S. Interventional therapies for chronic low back pain. Neuromodulation 2015; 17 Suppl 2:31-45. [PMID: 25395115 DOI: 10.1111/ner.12250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Low back pain (LBP) is a highly prevalent condition and one of the leading causes of lost productivity and health-care costs. The objective of this review is to discuss the role of interventional pain procedures and evidence of their effectiveness in treatment of chronic LBP. METHODS This is a narrative review examining published studies on interventional procedures for LBP. The rationales, indications, technique, evidence, and complications for the interventional procedures are discussed. RESULTS Interventional pain procedures are used extensively in diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. LBP is multifactorial, and while significant progress has been made in understanding its pathophysiology, this has not resulted in a proportional improvement of functional outcomes. For certain procedures, such as spinal cord stimulation, medical branch blocks and radiofrequency ablations, and epidural steroid injections for radiculopathy, safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness in treating LBP have been well studied. For others, such as interventions for discogenic pain, treatment successes have been modest at best. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of interventional pain procedures in the treatment framework of LBP has resulted in improvement of pain intensity in at least the short and medium terms, but equivocal results have been observed in functional improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Veizi
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Pain Medicine & Spine Care, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Factors Associated with Successful Outcomes with Lumbar Medial Branch Radiofrequency Neurotomy. CURRENT PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION REPORTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40141-015-0088-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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20
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21
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Koning MV, Koning NJ, Koning HM, van Kleef M. Relationship between Sensory Stimulation and Side Effects in Percutaneous Radiofrequency Treatment of the Trigeminal Ganglion. Pain Pract 2013; 14:581-7. [PMID: 24152209 DOI: 10.1111/papr.12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) treatment of the trigeminal ganglion for treating patients with trigeminal neuralgia, to determine which patients have a long-term benefit, and to evaluate the effect of RF parameters. METHODS A retrospective study in 28 consecutive patients in combination with a follow-up questionnaire (n = 26, 93% response). RESULTS An initial treatment effect of 89% was observed, 60% sustained at 12-month follow-up. Major side effects were hypesthesia (56%), dry eye (20%), and masseter muscle weakness (12%). A lower sensory stimulation threshold during treatment was associated with better patient satisfaction (P = 0.016), improved pain relief (P = 0.039), and trended toward more hypesthesia (P = 0.077). DISCUSSION This low-volume study reported treatment effects in an older population that were similar to previous studies. Only a higher incidence of hypesthesia was detected by long-term follow-up. This study supported the high efficiency of RF treatment, but there was a high level of side effects. Most notable, low sensory stimulation was associated with increased hypesthesia, whereas higher stimulation levels yielded less effectiveness. Further investigation of an optimal sensory stimulation range for percutaneous RF treatment of the trigeminal ganglion was found to be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark V Koning
- Department of Anesthesiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nick J Koning
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Integrated Neurovascular Biology, INSERM U1083, CNRS UMR 6214, LUNAM University, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Henk M Koning
- Department of Pain Therapy, Medical Center Jan van Goyen, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten van Kleef
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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