title: Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation of the Sacroiliac Joint Complex in the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Preliminary Study of Feasibility and Efficacy of a Novel Technique.
abstract: Background. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a less invasive technique for treatment of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain.Objective. To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of endoscope-guided RFA for the treatment of CLBP from the SIJ complex.Methods. In this retrospective study, the medical records of 17 patients who underwent endoscope-guided RFA of the SIJ complex were reviewed. A bipolar radiofrequency probe was used to lesion the posterior capsule of the SIJ as well as the lateral branches of S1, S2, S3, and the L5 dorsal ramus in multiple locations. We visualized the ablation area using endoscope. We assessed visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) preoperatively, immediately postop, and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month postop outpatient clinic visits. Patient satisfaction of the procedure was assessed in percentages.Results. The mean duration of operation was 20 to 50 minutes. The mean VAS and the ODI scores decreased significantly immediately after the procedure and were kept significantly lower than baseline levels during the follow-up periods. No complications occurred perioperatively and during the follow-up periods. 88.6% of patients were satisfied with the procedure.Conclusions. Our preliminary results suggest that endoscope-guided RFA may be alternative option to treat CLBP secondary to SIJ complex.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, International Naeun Hospital, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Won-Suh
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-2019-2161
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jin-Sung
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-5086-0875
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Kyeong-Sik
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Ryu
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jung-Woo
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Hur
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ji-Hoon
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Seong
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hyun-Jin
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Cho
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012446:Sacroiliac Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*