Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for facet-mediated neck and back pain

Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement
Record ID 32005000075
English
Authors' objectives:

This review aims to assess the available evidence on percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for facet-mediated neck and back pain.

Authors' recommendations: With regard to behavioral therapy programs for weight loss in adults, the ICSI Technology Assessment Committee finds: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is a safe procedure for patients who are correctly diagnosed with facet joint pain. To date, there is only one randomized, controlled trial that has assessed patient outcomes associated with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for cervical facet joint pain. In that trial, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation was associated with a greater level of pain relief at 3 months post-treatment and patients were less likely to return to pre-treatment pain levels or, at least, the return was delayed following active treatment. Therefore, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation may be an alternative for the patient who has failed an adequate trial of conservative therapy (including therapeutic exercise, activity modification, medical therapy, joint injections, and nerve blocks). (Conclusion Grade III) The scientific evidence, to date, does not permit a conclusion to be reached regarding the efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for lumbar facet joint pain. (Conclusion Grade Not Assignable)
Authors' methods: Review
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 2005
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: United States
MeSH Terms
  • Back Pain
  • Catheter Ablation
  • Neck Pain
  • Zygapophyseal Joint
Contact
Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement
Contact Address: 8009 34th Avenue South, Suite 1200, Bloomington, MN, USA. Tel: +1 952 814 7060; Fax: +1 952 858 9675
Contact Name: icsi.info@icsi.org
Contact Email: icsi.info@icsi.org
Copyright: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.