Radiofrequency denervation for sacroiliac and facet joint pain

Piso B, Reinsperger I, Rosian K
Record ID 32016000995
English
Authors' objectives: We analysed the effectiveness and safety of Radiofrequency denervation (RFD), a minimally invasive procedure, in adult patients with chronic, facet joint or sacroiliac (SI) joint low back pain and a positive response to diagnostic nerve block.
Authors' recommendations: We included 15 randomised controlled trials. Overall, the level of evidence for the estimated effects is very low to low. RFD for facet joint pain compared to placebo/steroid injections might reduce pain in defined periods of time (max. 12 months). RFD for SI-joint pain might lead to a global improvement up to 3 months. For a number of patient-relevant outcomes no significant changes have been found. Other outcomes have not been tested yet (e.g. effects of SI-RFD > 3 months). Therefore, we currently recommend against the inclusion of RFD for SI or facet joint pain in the Austrian BMG catalogue of procedures and suggest a re-evaluation in 2019.
Details
Project Status: Completed
URL for project: http://eprints.hta.lbg.ac.at/1096/
Year Published: 2016
URL for published report: http://eprints.hta.lbg.ac.at/1096/1/DSD_99.pdf
URL for additional information: http://hta.lbg.ac.at/page/bewertung-medizinischer-einzelleistungen-mel-berichte/en
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: Austria
MeSH Terms
  • Arthralgia
  • Back Pain
  • Denervation
  • Humans
  • Radio Waves
  • Zygapophyseal Joint
Contact
Organisation Name: Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Health Technology Assessment
Contact Address: Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for fuer Health Technology Assessment (LBI-HTA), Garnisongasse 7/rechte Stiege Mezzanin (Top 20), 1090 Vienna, Austria. Tel: +43 1 236 8119 - 0 Fax: +43 1 236 8119 - 99
Contact Name: tarquin.mittermayr@aihta.at
Contact Email: office@aihta.at
Copyright: Ludwig Boltzmann Institut fuer Health Technology Assessment (LBI-HTA)
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