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Stueckle CA, Haage P. [Specific back pain - effective diagnosis and treatment from the radiologist's point of view]. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2025; 197:371-384. [PMID: 39168132 DOI: 10.1055/a-2371-1752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The diagnosis and treatment of specific back pain is important in radiology. Due to the high number of patients suffering from back pain, it is important to provide excellent diagnostic and therapeutic support.Based on a recent literature search and considering the relevant guidelines as well as expert opinions, the aspects of specific back pain important for radiologists in terms of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment are presented.Clinical examination in combination with the medical history provides a valid suspected diagnosis. This should subsequently be verified radiologically. MRI is the most effective cross-sectional diagnostic method for investigating specific back pain. A conventional X-ray on two planes in a standing position can be a useful addition if postural causes are suspected. If the clinical symptoms match the morphological findings, radiological treatment can be carried out for nerve root involvement as well as for inflammatory changes of the facet joints. The improvement in symptoms after radiological therapy is considered good overall; at least a short-term improvement in symptoms can generally be achieved, but no reliable data is available regarding the long-term outcome. Using preparations containing triamcinolone, low dosages should be selected in accordance with the guidelines. Embedding in a multimodal pain therapy treatment concept should be considered.Radiology provides essential diagnostic findings regarding specific back pain. Interventional pain therapy is an effective and safe method of treating proven specific back pain. · First examine clinically, then confirm the suspected diagnosis radiologically.. · MRI is usually the method of choice.. · Interventional pain therapy should show success after a maximum of 2 interventions.. · The anti-inflammatory drug dose should be kept as low as possible.. · The individual course determines the number of interventions.. · Stueckle CA, Haage P. Specific back pain - effective diagnosis and treatment from the radiologist's point of view. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2371-1752.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick Haage
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, HELIOS Universitatsklinikum Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
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Park S, Park JH, Sokpeou N, Jang JN, Kim YU, Choi YS, Park S. Radiofrequency treatments for lumbar facet joint syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2024:rapm-2024-105883. [PMID: 39481876 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2024-105883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 10/13/2024] [Indexed: 11/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lumbar facet joint syndrome (FJS) is a common cause of chronic low back pain (LBP). Radiofrequency treatments are commonly used to treat chronic LBP-related FJS that is refractory to conservative treatment, although evidence supporting this treatment is controversial. OBJECTIVE We explored the therapeutic effects of radiofrequency on FJS using a network meta-analysis (NMA). EVIDENCE REVIEW A comprehensive systematic search of multiple databases was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared radiofrequency with other treatments (sham procedures, facet joint corticosteroid injection, and conservative treatment) for FJS. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Database, and handsearching. The primary outcomes were pain score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Statistical analysis included conventional pairwise meta-analysis and NMA using the frequentist method. FINDINGS The treatments were ranked using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values. The search yielded 25 RCTs (1969 patients) and a mixed quality regarding the risk of bias, with most studies exhibiting a low risk of bias for most domains. Endoscopic neurotomy consistently ranked highest in terms of pain reduction and ODI score improvement at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. At 1 and 6 months, endoscopic neurotomy had the highest SUCRA value for pain reduction (0.833 and 0.860, respectively), followed by medial branch thermal radiofrequency. CONCLUSIONS This NMA demonstrates that endoscopic neurotomy is the most effective treatment for lumbar FJS, providing superior and sustained pain relief and functional improvement compared with other treatments. Further, high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and address the existing limitations. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42024524657.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyoon Park
- Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Ji-Hoon Park
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Keimyung University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Ni Sokpeou
- Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Hebron Medical Center, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Jae Ni Jang
- Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Young Uk Kim
- Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Young-Soon Choi
- Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Sukhee Park
- Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea (the Republic of)
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Du R, Gao J, Wang B, Zhang J, Meng M, Wang J, Qu W, Li Z. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and endoscopic neurotomy for lumbar facet joint syndrome: are they good enough? EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2024; 33:463-473. [PMID: 38141106 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-08078-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lumbar facet joint (LFJ) syndrome is one of the common causes of low back pain (LBP). There are different views on percutaneous and endoscopic radiofrequency. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to explore the therapeutic effect of radiofrequency ablation on LBP originating from LFJ and compare the therapeutic effect of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and endoscopic neurotomy. METHODS We included randomized controlled trials which compared the efficiency of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and conservative treatment (sham procedures, facet joint injection, physiotherapy, exercise, or oral medication) or compared the efficiency of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and endoscopic neurotomy for LFJ syndrome. We searched in PubMed and Web of Science from inception to March 27, 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS A total of 11 randomized controlled trials were included. Among them, nine studies were used for evaluating efficiency of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation, and two studies were used for evaluating efficiency of endoscopic neurotomy. Pooled data from two studies reporting outcomes at 1 year did not show a benefit from facet joint denervation by comparing the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and conservative treatment (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-2.10, 0.37], P = 0.17). There was no significant difference between percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and endoscopic neurotomy at 1-month follow-up (mean difference (MD) = -0.13, 95%CI [-0.18, -0.44], P = 0.41). At 12-month follow-up the pain relief in the endoscopic neurotomy was significantly better than that in the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation group (MD = 1.98, 95%CI [1.60, 2.36], P < 0 .0001). CONCLUSION The LBP was significantly relieved shortly after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. Compared with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation, endoscopic neurotomy seems to have a longer effect. A longer follow-up period is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihuan Du
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 5 Longbin Road, Development Zone, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 5 Longbin Road, Development Zone, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 5 Longbin Road, Development Zone, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Meng
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 5 Longbin Road, Development Zone, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingzuo Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 5 Longbin Road, Development Zone, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - Wentao Qu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 5 Longbin Road, Development Zone, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhonghai Li
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 5 Longbin Road, Development Zone, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Dalian, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
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Manchikanti L, Kaye AD, Latchaw RE, Sanapati MR, Pampati V, Gharibo CG, Albers SL, Hirsch JA. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Utilization Patterns of Facet Joint Interventions in Managing Spinal Pain in a Medicare Population. Pain Ther 2023; 12:505-527. [PMID: 36723804 PMCID: PMC9890434 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-023-00476-3] [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: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in major disruptions in all aspects of human life including a decline of medical services utilized during 2020. An analysis of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic showed an 18.7% reduction in utilization patterns of interventional techniques in managing chronic pain in the Medicare population from 2019 to 2020. However, specific changes in utilization patterns of facet joint interventions have not been studied. Thus, we sought to assess the utilization patterns including an update of facet joint interventions from 2018 to 2020, with analysis of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in managing chronic spinal pain utilizing facet joint interventions in the fee-for-service Medicare population of the United States. METHODS The present investigation was designed to assess utilization patterns and variables of facet joint interventions, in managing chronic spinal pain from 2010 to 2020 in the fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare population in the United States (US), and how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted these utilization patterns. Data for the analysis were obtained from the master database from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) physician/supplier procedure summary from 2000 to 2020. RESULTS Results of this analysis showed significant impact of COVID-19 with overall decrease of 18.5% of all facet joint interventions per 100,000 Medicare population compared to 20.2 and 20.5% decrease for lumbar and cervical facet joint injections, 15 and 13.1% decrease per 100,000 Medicare population of lumbosacral and cervicothoracic facet joint neurolysis procedures. The results are significant in that comparative analysis from 2000 to 2010 and 2010 to 2019 showing an annual increase of 14.4 vs. 2.2%, illustrating a decelerating pattern. There were also significant growth patterns noted with decreases in facet joint injections and nerve blocks compared to facet joint neurolytic procedures. CONCLUSIONS This analysis shows a significant effect of COVID-19 producing an overall decrease in utilization of facet joint interventions relative to pre-COVID data. Further, the analysis demonstrates continued deceleration of utilization patterns of facet joint interventions compared to the periods of 2000-2010 and 2010-2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laxmaiah Manchikanti
- grid.419960.30000 0004 0649 0485Pain Management Centers of America, 67 Lakeview Drive, Paducah, KY 42001 USA
- grid.266623.50000 0001 2113 1622University of Louisville, Louisville, KY USA
- grid.411417.60000 0004 0443 6864Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA USA
| | - Alan D. Kaye
- grid.411417.60000 0004 0443 6864Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA USA
| | - Richard E. Latchaw
- grid.416958.70000 0004 0413 7653Department of Radiology, University of California at Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Mahendra R. Sanapati
- grid.419960.30000 0004 0649 0485Pain Management Centers of America, Evansville, IN USA
| | - Vidyasagar Pampati
- grid.419960.30000 0004 0649 0485Pain Management Centers of America, 67 Lakeview Drive, Paducah, KY 42001 USA
| | - Christopher G. Gharibo
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753NYU Langone Health and NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | | | - Joshua A. Hirsch
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
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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: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [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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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: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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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Yuan HJ, Wang CY, Wang YF. Endoscopic joint capsule and articular process excision to treat lumbar facet joint syndrome: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:8545-8551. [PMID: 34754866 PMCID: PMC8554426 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i28.8545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lumbar facet joint syndrome (LFJS) is a pain condition arising from lumbar facet joint diseases. Treatments of LFJS includes patient education, oral medication, bed rest, physical therapy, and procedural interventions. For some refractory cases that fail conservative therapies, dorsal ramus medial brunch radiofrequency ablation is warranted. However, as nerve fibers can regenerate, their efficacy is impermanent, and the recurrence rate is relatively high. Considering synovial impingement is a paramount pathogenesis of LFJS, in this case, we removed the culprit hyperplastic articular capsule and the articular process partially through a spinal endoscope. As the culprit hyperplastic joint capsule was excised, it is supposed to generate more prolonged efficacy and a lower recurrence rate than radiofrequency treatment. CASE SUMMARY A 40-year-old female patient was diagnosed with LFJS. She complained of low back pain and right buttock pain for half a year. The patient was placed in the prone position. After disinfection and draping, a 25-cm 18-gauge needle was inserted into the dorsal surface of the right L5 articular process. Subsequently, a guidewire, dilating tubes, and a working cannula was inserted successively. The spinal endoscope was positioned in the working cannula. Under the endoscope, the microvascular tissue, muscle tissue attached on the L5 inferior articular process and S1 superior articular process, as well as the capsule and minor portion of the inferior articular process were removed. After the joint space was clear and no bleeding points existed, the endoscope and working cannula were shifted, and the incision was sutured. After treatment, the symptoms were completely relieved. The patient was pain-free during the follow-up period of 6 mo. CONCLUSION The endoscopic partial joint capsule and articular process excision is an effective procedure for LFJS, especially for cases caused by synovial impingement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jie Yuan
- Department of Pain Medicine, Nantong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chun-Yan Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Department of Radiology, Jinshan Branch, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 201599, China
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Janapala RN, Manchikanti L, Sanapati MR, Thota S, Abd-Elsayed A, Kaye AD, Hirsch JA. Efficacy of Radiofrequency Neurotomy in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pain Res 2021; 14:2859-2891. [PMID: 34531682 PMCID: PMC8439627 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s323362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The objective of the systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency neurotomy as a therapeutic lumbar facet joint intervention. Patients and Methods Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. A comprehensive literature search of multiple data sources from 1966 to September 2020 including manual searches of bibliography of known review articles was performed. The inclusion criteria were based on the selection of patients with chronic low back pain with diagnosis confirmed based on controlled diagnostic blocks and with the publication of at least 6 months of results of appropriate outcome parameters. Quality assessment of the trials was performed with Cochrane review criteria and interventional pain management techniques-quality appraisal of reliability and risk of bias assessment (IPM-QRB). The level of evidence of effectiveness is classified at five levels ranging from Level I to Level V. The primary outcome measure was a significant reduction in pain, eg, short term (up to 6 months) and long term (more than 6 months). The secondary outcome measure was an improvement in functional status. Results A total of 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria for evaluating the efficacy of lumbar radiofrequency neurotomy. Radiofrequency neurotomy showed Level II evidence for efficacy for both the short term and long term. Conclusion This systematic review of the assessment of the efficacy of radiofrequency neurotomy in managing chronic low back pain was based on the inclusion of 12 RCTs with a diagnostic block and at least 6 months of follow-up results that showed Level II evidence for both short-term and long-term improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh N Janapala
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Laxmaiah Manchikanti
- Pain Management Centers of America, Paducah, KY, USA.,Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Mahendra R Sanapati
- Pain Management Centers of America, Evansville, IN, USA.,Anesthesiology and Research, School of Medicine, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | | | - Alaa Abd-Elsayed
- UW Health Pain Services, and Anesthesiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neurosciences, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA.,Ochsner Shreveport Hospital and Pain Clinic Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Joshua A Hirsch
- Neurointerventional Radiology and Spine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Valerio P, Marzano F, Milazzo F, De Larrea AE, Placella G, Caraffa A, Rinonapoli G. Facet joint syndrome treated with interventional procedures: a review article with an update on the current evidence and practice. CURRENT ORTHOPAEDIC PRACTICE 2020; 31:571-578. [DOI: 10.1097/bco.0000000000000927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Facet Joint Syndrome (FJS) is a common progressive disease affecting small joints of the spine and can have painful symptoms. When conservative treatment measures fail, there are a wide range of interventional procedures that can be used. Varied results have been obtained with different procedures, and standardized indications and guidelines are unclear. The authors aimed to review the most current evidence on indications, utilization of interventional procedures, results, and complication risks for the treatment of FJS.
Methods:
Customized structured electronic searches were performed in PubMed and Cochrane databases. Meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials (RCT), and systematic reviews on FJS treated with interventional minimally invasive procedures published from 1st of January 2015 to 29th of February 2020 were included. We initially selected 320 studies, and 25 studies (two meta-analyses, six systematic reviews, and 17 RCT) were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Results:
A certain amount of improvement of pain was reported in 100% of the patients, with no significant complications reported. Most studies showed efficacy of all interventional procedures at all levels of evidence, without providing definitive data on indications and superiority of one procedure over others.
Conclusions:
The authors suggest a standardized stepladder approach to the management of FJS, with conservative measures initially and interventional procedures if those measures fail. All procedures were reported to be safe and efficient when clinically indicated and properly performed. Further studies with appropriate methodology are needed.
Level of Evidence:
Level IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pace Valerio
- Trauma & Orthopaedics Department, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Spinal Unit, The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fabrizio Marzano
- Trauma & Orthopaedics Department, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Federico Milazzo
- Trauma & Orthopaedics Department, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Giacomo Placella
- Trauma & Orthopaedics Department, Instituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, San, Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Auro Caraffa
- Trauma & Orthopaedics Department, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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