Percutaneous cryodenervation of lumbar facet joints: a prospective clinical trial

Facet joint pain is an important aspect of degenerative lumbar spine disease, and radiofrequency medial branch neurotomy remains an established therapy, while cryodenervation has still been poorly examined. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of medial branch cryodenervation in the treatment of lumbar facet joint pain. This was a prospective clinical case series. Patient selection was based on the history, physical examination and positive medial branch blocks. Percutaneous medial branch cryodenervation was performed using a Lloyd Neurostat 2000. Target parameters were low back pain (VAS), limitation of activity (McNab) and overall satisfaction. Fifty patients were recruited, and 46 completed the study. The follow-up time was 1 year. At 6 weeks, 33 patients (72%) were pain free or had major improvement of low back pain; 13 (28%) had no or little improvement. Including failures, mean low back pain decreased significantly from 7.7 preoperatively to 3.2 at 6 weeks, 3.3 at 3 months, 3.0 at 6 months and 4.2 at 12 months (P<0.0001). Limitation of the activities of daily living improved parallel to reduced pain. Our results suggest that medial branch cryodenervation is a safe and effective treatment for lumbar facet joint pain.     

Facet joint pain in chronic spinal pain: an evaluation of prevalence and false-positive rate of diagnostic blocks

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review. OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the prevalence of facet or zygapophysial joint pain in chronic spinal pain of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar origin by using controlled, comparative local anesthetic blocks and evaluation of false-positive rates of single blocks in the diagnosis of chronic spinal pain of facet joint origin. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Facet or zygapophysial joints are clinically important sources of chronic cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine pain. The previous studies have demonstrated the value and validity of controlled, comparative local anesthetic blocks in the diagnosis of facet joint pain, with a prevalence of 15% to 67% variable in lumbar, thoracic, and cervical regions. False-positive rates of single diagnostic blocks also varied from 17% to 63%. METHODS: Five hundred consecutive patients receiving controlled, comparative local anesthetic blocks of medial branches for the diagnosis of facet or zygapophysial joint pain were included. Patients were investigated with diagnostic blocks using 0.5 mL of 1% lidocaine per nerve. Patients with lidocaine-positive results were further studied using 0.5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine per nerve on a separate occasion. Medial branch blocks were performed with intermittent fluoroscopic visualization, at 2 levels to block a single joint. A positive response was considered as one with at least 80% pain relief from a block of at least 2 hours duration when lidocaine was used, and at least 3 hours or longer than the duration of relief with lidocaine when bupivacaine was used, and also the ability to perform prior painful movements. RESULTS: A total of 438 patients met inclusion criteria. The prevalence of facet joint pain was 39% in the cervical spine [95% confidence interval (CI), 32%-45%]; 34% (95% CI, 22%-47%) in the thoracic pain; and 27% (95% CI, 22%-33%) in the lumbar spine. The false-positive rate with a single block in the cervical region was 45%, in the thoracic region was 42%, and in the lumbar region 45%. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective review once again confirmed the significant prevalence of facet joint pain in chronic spinal pain.     

脊柱内窥镜下腰脊神经背内侧支射频消融术治疗慢性腰椎小关节源性腰痛

目的探讨脊柱内窥镜下腰脊神经背内侧支射频消融术治疗中老年慢性腰椎小关节源性腰痛的近期疗效。方法采用回顾性队列研究的方法,选取2015年9月—2017年9月杭州市中医院收治的28例慢性腰椎小关节源性腰痛患者,其中14例采用脊柱内窥镜下腰脊神经背内侧支射频消融术治疗(手术组),14例采用经皮腰椎关节突关节封闭治疗(非手术组)。分别对2组患者进行电话、门诊随访,记录治疗前及治疗后1周、1个月、3个月、6个月、1年的腰痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分、日本骨科学会(JOA)评分和Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)并进行比较,评估2种治疗方案近期疗效的差异。结果治疗前2组患者VAS评分、JOA评分和ODI差异均无统计学意义(P 0.05)。治疗后2组患者各时间点VAS评分、JOA评分和ODI均较治疗前改善,其中手术组与治疗前相比差异有统计学意义(P 0.05);手术组患者VAS评分、JOA评分和ODI的改善情况均优于非手术组,差异有统计学意义(P 0.05)。结论脊柱内窥镜下腰脊神经背内侧支射频消融术治疗慢性腰椎小关节源性腰痛能够显著缓解患者症状、改善预后,近期疗效较好,相比经皮腰椎关节突关节封闭具有一定优势。     

Efficacy and validity of radiofrequency neurotomy for chronic lumbar zygapophysial joint pain

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective audit. OBJECTIVE: To establish the efficacy of lumbar medial branch neurotomy under optimum conditions. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Previous reports of the efficacy of lumbar medial branch neurotomy have been confounded by poor patient selection, inaccurate surgical technique, and inadequate assessment of outcome. METHODS: Fifteen patients with chronic low back pain whose pain was relieved by controlled, diagnostic medial branch blocks of the lumbar zygapophysial joints, underwent lumbar medial branch neurotomy. Before surgery, all were evaluated by visual analog scale and a variety of validated measures of pain, disability, and treatment satisfaction. Electromyography of the multifidus muscle was performed before and after surgery to ensure accuracy of the neurotomy. All outcome measures were repeated at 6 weeks, and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Some 60% of the patients obtained at least 90% relief of pain at 12 months, and 87% obtained at least 60% relief. Relief was associated with denervation of the multifidus in those segments in which the medial branches had been coagulated. Prelesion electrical stimulation of the medial branch nerve with measurement of impedance was not associated with outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar medial branch neurotomy is an effective means of reducing pain in patients carefully selected on the basis of controlled diagnostic blocks. Adequate coagulation of the target nerves can be achieved by carefully placing the electrode in correct position as judged radiologically. Electrical stimulation before lesioning is superfluous in assuring correct placement of the electrode.     

Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of lumbar zygapophysial (facet) joint pain

Lumbar zygapophysial joint arthropathy is a challenging condition affecting up to 15% of patients with chronic low back pain. The onset of lumbar facet joint pain is usually insidious, with predisposing factors including spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc pathology, and old age. Despite previous reports of a "facet syndrome," the existing literature does not support the use of historic or physical examination findings to diagnose lumbar zygapophysial joint pain. The most accepted method for diagnosing pain arising from the lumbar facet joints is with low-volume intraarticular or medial branch blocks, both of which are associated with high false-positive rates. Standard treatment modalities for lumbar zygapophysial joint pain include intraarticular steroid injections and radiofrequency denervation of the medial branches innervating the joints, but the evidence supporting both of these is conflicting. In this article, the authors provide a comprehensive review of the anatomy, biomechanics, and function of the lumbar zygapophysial joints, along with a systematic analysis of the diagnosis and treatment of facet joint pain.     

Lumbar zygapophysial (facet) joint radiofrequency denervation success as a function of pain relief during diagnostic medial branch blocks: a multicenter analysis.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The publication of several recent studies showing minimal benefit for radiofrequency (RF) lumbar zygapophysial (l-z) joint denervation have led many investigators to reevaluate selection criteria. One controversial explanation for these findings is that the most commonly used cutoff value for selecting patients for l-z (facet) joint RF denervation, greater than 50% pain relief after diagnostic blocks, is too low and hence responsible for the high failure rate. PURPOSE: To compare l-z joint RF denervation success rates between the conventional greater than or equal to 50% pain relief threshold and the more stringently proposed greater than or equal to 80% cutoff for diagnostic medial branch blocks (MBB). STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Multicenter, retrospective clinical data analysis. PATIENT SAMPLE: Two hundred and sixty-two patients with chronic low back pain who underwent l-z RF denervation at three pain clinics. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures were greater than 50% pain relief based on visual analog scale or numerical pain rating score after RF denervation persisting at least 6 months postprocedure, and global perceived effect (GPE), which considered pain relief, satisfaction and functional improvement. METHODS: Data were garnered at three centers on 262 patients who underwent l-z RF denervation after obtaining greater than or equal to 50% pain relief after diagnostic MBB. Subjects were separated into those who received partial (greater than or equal to 50% but less than 80%) and near-complete (greater than or equal to 80%) pain relief from the MBB. Outcomes between groups were compared with multivariate analysis after controlling for 14 demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-five patients obtained greater than or equal to 50% but less than 80% pain relief after diagnostic MBB, and 117 patients obtained greater than or equal to 80% relief. In the greater than or equal to 50% group, success rates were 52% and 67% based on pain relief and GPE, respectively. Among patients who experienced greater than 80% relief from diagnostic blocks, 56% obtained greater than or equal to 50% relief from RF denervation and 66% had a positive GPE. CONCLUSIONS: Using more stringent pain relief criteria when selecting patients for l-z joint RF denervation is unlikely to improve success rates, and may lead to misdiagnosis and withholding a potentially valuable treatment from good candidates.     

Pulsed radiofrequency application in treatment of chronic zygapophyseal joint pain.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Chronic zygapophyseal joint arthropathy is a cause of back and neck pain. One proposed method of treating facet joint pathology is ablation of medial branches and dorsal rami with pulsed radiofrequency (RF) waves. PURPOSE: Assessment of efficacy of pulsed RF application for treatment of chronic zygapophyseal joint pain. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective study of 114 patients at a pain management clinic. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 114 patients with clinical signs of facet joint involvement and a favorable response to a diagnostic medial branch block using local anesthetic, including 82 females and 32 males with a mean age of 52.8+/-12.6 years. Mean duration of pain was 7.52+/-5.26 years. Twenty-seven had previous back surgery, 83 patients had low back pain and 31 had cervical pain. Pain was on the left side in 47 patients, on the right side in 45 patients, bilateral in 22. OUTCOME MEASURES: Result was regarded as successful if pain reduction was more than 50% on visual analog scale and the duration of effect was more than 1.5 months. METHODS: After obtaining positive stimulation, pulsed RF was applied to medial branches of dorsal rami for 120 seconds with temperature at the tip of the electrode 42 C. RESULTS: Of 114 patients, who had positive response to diagnostic block, 46 patients did not respond favorably to pulsed RF application (pain reduction less than 50%). In 68 patients, the procedure was successful and lasted on average 3.93+/-1.86 months. Eighteen patients had the procedure repeated with the same duration of pain relief that was achieved initially. Previous surgery, duration of pain, sex, levels (cervical vs. lumbar) and stimulation levels did not influence outcomes. CONCLUSION: The results of our study showed that the application of pulsed RF to medial branches of the dorsal rami in patients with chronic facet joint arthropathy provided temporary pain relief in 68 of 118 patients.     

Anatomical description of the facet joint innervation and its implication in the treatment of recurrent back pain

AIM: Many techniques are used in the back pain treatment, standing out the facet denervation as a therapeutic option for pain that originates in the facet joints. It's known that the facet joint is an abundant area of nocireceptor innervation, although the distribution and the location of the involved branches have not being well demonstrated. A good comprehension about the affected innervation is very important to get an effective treatment. Purpose of study was to describe innervation of the lumbar facet joints, potentially used in the diagnosis and treatment of painful pictures of the lumbar region by facet syndrome. Study design: anatomical study of nerve roots distribution of the facet joint 3 human corpses. The determination of the neurotomy s point was carried out by direct visualization and the radiological study in human parts. METHODS: Three anatomical pieces of the human lumbar spine were dissected. In those 3 pieces, the facet joint innervation distribution was studied thoroughly using surgical microscope and microsurgical technique. In one of the pieces the needles positioning was first made to test through the radiological study the possible application of the precise denervation in low back pain treatment. RESULTS: The L1 to L4 segments, each dorsal branch of root emits a medial branch that emerges from intertransversal ligament. This branch crosses the superior margin of the medial termination of transverse process, passing through the root of the superior articulate process. Each branch innerves the anterior region of the inferior facet and the inferior portion of articulation which one spins around. The L5 dorsal branch was larger than the superior branches. It emerges dorsally and in the inferior region on top of the sacrum wing. This nerve is in the bone fissure of the junction between the wing and the posterior region of the sacrum articular process. Near the inferior portion of the articular process, the nerve ramifies itself in lateral and medial branch. The medial branch comes back around the inferior portion of the lumbar-sacrum articulation that it innervates. CONCLUSIONS: We didn't note great variations in the anatomy from L1 do L4. The L5 segment has a different distribution of the branches that should be considered when we do a percutaneous denervation procedure. The approach of the needle must touch the transverse process and feels the resistance of the articular joint . The determination of the neurotomy s point tends to become more precise denervation procedure.     

Percutaneous radiofrequency neurotomy of lumbar medial branch (facet rhizotomy)--a report of 6 cases

We performed radiofrequency neurotomy of lumbar medial branch as a treatment of facet syndrome. Our six cases had no indication for surgical therapy, such as neuralgia, spinal canal stenosis without neurological deficit except for pain and deformed spines. Facet joint injection with regional anesthetics and steroids could not prevent their recurrent back pain. By facet rhizotomy, they could obtain relief of back pain for several months to a year. We conclude that facet rhizotomy is a more effective method for facet syndrome when a proper indication is present.     

Psychopathology predicts the outcome of medial branch blocks with corticosteroid for chronic axial low back or cervical pain: a prospective cohort study

Background  

Comorbid psychopathology is an important predictor of poor outcome for many types of treatments for back or neck pain. But it is unknown if this applies to the results of medial branch blocks (MBBs) for chronic low back or neck pain, which involves injecting the medial branch of the dorsal ramus nerves that innervate the facet joints. The objective of this study was to determine whether high levels of psychopathology are predictive of pain relief after MBB injections in the lumbar or cervical spine.     

C形臂X线引导下针刀切断脊神经后内侧支治疗腰椎关节突骨关节炎的病例对照研究

目的:研究C形臂X线引导下针刀切断脊神经后内侧支治疗治疗腰椎关节突骨关节炎引起的腰痛的临床疗效。方法:自2009年7月至2011年6月治疗腰椎关节突骨关节炎的下腰痛患者60例,年龄39～73岁,平均61.9岁;病史6～120个月,平均18.9个月。将患者分为两组,30例采用C形臂X线引导下针刀切断脊神经后内侧支治疗(针刀组),30例采用C形臂X线引导下腰椎关节突关节局部封闭治疗(局封组),对所有患者在治疗前及治疗后1、12、26周进行JOA评分。结果:治疗前两组患者JOA评分差异无统计学意义(P=0.479);治疗后1周两组患者的JOA评分差异有统计学意义(P=0.040),且局封组的改善率优于针刀组,其中针刀组(58.73±18.20)%,局封组(71.10±22.19)%;治疗12周后两组患者的JOA评分差异无统计学意义(P=0.569),两组的改善率差异无统计学意义,其中针刀组(50.09±19.33)%,局封组(48.70±18.36)%);治疗26周后两组患者的JOA评分差异有统计学意义(P=0.000),且针刀组的改善率优于局封组,其中针刀组(48.56±28.24)%,局封组(15.62±11.23)%。结论:针刀切断脊神经后内侧支比腰椎关节突关节局部封闭治疗腰椎关节突骨关节炎具有更远期的疗效。     

Clinical predictors of screening lumbar zygapophyseal joint blocks: development of clinical prediction rules.

BACKGROUND: Only controlled intra-articular zygapophyseal joint (ZJ) injections or medial branch blocks can diagnose ZJ-mediated low back pain. The low prevalence of ZJ pain implies that identification of clinical predictors of a positive response to a screening block is needed. PURPOSE: To estimate the predictive power of clinical findings in relation to pain reduction after screening ZJ blocks. STUDY DESIGN: As part of a wider prospective blinded study investigating diagnostic accuracy of clinical variables, a secondary analysis was carried out to seek evidence of variables potentially valuable as predictors of screening ZJ block outcomes. PATIENT SAMPLE: Chronic low back pain patients received screening ZJ blocks (n=151) with 120 patients included in the analysis after exclusions. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain intensity was measured using a 100-mm visual analog scale, and responses were categorized according to 75% through 95% or more pain reduction in 5% increments. METHODS: Patients completed pain drawings, questionnaires, and a clinical examination before screening lumbar ZJ blocks. History, demographic and clinical variables were evaluated in cross tabulation and regression analyses with diagnostic accuracy values calculated for variables and variable clusters in relation to different pain reduction standards. RESULTS: At the 75% pain reduction standard, 24.5% responded to screening ZJ blocks and 10.8% responded at the 95% standard. The centralization phenomenon is not associated with pain reduction using any standard. No variables were useful predictors of post-ZJ block pain reduction of less than 90%. Seven clinical findings were associated with 95% pain reduction after blocks. Five useful clinical prediction rules (CPRs) were found for ruling out a 95% pain reduction (100% sensitivity), and one CPR had a likelihood ratio of 9.7, producing a fivefold improvement in posttest probability. CONCLUSIONS: A negative extension rotation test, the centralization phenomenon, and four CPRs effectively rule out pain ablation after screening ZJ block. One CPR generates a fivefold improvement in posttest probability of a negative or positive response to ZJ block.     

The facet syndrome. Myth or reality?

The lumbar facet joint has long been considered a significant source of low back pain (LBP). Facet blocks with anesthetic and cortisone, and even facet denervation procedures, have been recommended as treatment for patients with LBP. The literature, however, fails to conclusively document the role of the facet in the production of LBP. Based on a review of the literature and the author's clinical studies, the following statements appear to be appropriate and defensible: (1) The lumbar facet joints are very important biomechanically. (2) The facet is not a common or clear source of significant pain. (3) The facet syndrome is not a reliable clinical diagnosis. (4) Injection of intraarticular saline into the facets in control cases is as effective as local anesthetic and steroids in relieving the patient's pain temporarily. (5) Response to facet joint injection in patients with LBP does not correlate with or predict their clinical results after solid posterior lumbar fusion, and it should not be used preoperatively as a clinical criterion in selection of patients for fusion. (6) More prospective, controlled and randomized clinical studies are recommended.     

Lateral branch blocks as a treatment for sacroiliac joint pain: A pilot study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pain arising from the sacroiliac (SI) joint is a common cause of low back pain for which there is no universally accepted, long-term treatment. Previous studies have shown radiofrequency (RF) procedures to be an effective treatment for other types of spinal pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of reducing SI joint pain by percutaneous RF lesioning of the nerves innervating the SI joint. METHODS: Eighteen patients with confirmed SI joint pain underwent nerve blocks of the L4-5 primary dorsal rami and S1-3 lateral branches innervating the affected joint. Those who obtained 50% or greater pain relief from these blocks proceeded to undergo RF denervation of the nerves. RESULTS: Thirteen of 18 patients who underwent L4-5 dorsal rami and S1-3 lateral branch blocks (LBB) obtained significant pain relief, with 2 patients reporting prolonged benefit. At their next visit, 9 patients who experienced >50% pain relief underwent RF lesioning of the nerves. Eight of 9 patients (89%) obtained >/=50% pain relief from this procedure that persisted at their 9-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with SI joint pain who respond to L4-5 dorsal rami and S1-3 LBB, RF denervation of these nerves appears to be an effective treatment. Randomized, controlled trials are needed to further evaluate this procedure.     

Single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan–positive facet joints and other spinal structures in a hospital-wide population with spinal pain

Background contextThe current criterion standard for zygapophyseal (facet) joint pain diagnosis is placebo-controlled triple comparative local anesthetic facet joint or medial branch blocks. Single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scanning is a less invasive modality that has been widely used in patients with spinal pain for the diagnosis of facet joint arthritis. Previous studies have shown that SPECT results correlate well with response to facet joints steroid injections.PurposeTo evaluate the prevalence of SPECT scan–positive facet joints and other spinal areas in different age groups in a hospital-wide population with spinal pain.Study designRetrospective study.MethodsThis study included 534 patients who underwent a SPECT scan for spinal pain over 7.5 years in our hospital. All referrals from all doctors for any cervical or lumbar spinal pain were included, and the results were reviewed.ResultsA total of 486 patients (91.1%) had at least one positive abnormality on SPECT scan; 81.3% had increased uptake in different structures and regions of the spine. This included 42.8% increased uptake in the facet joint 29.8% in the vertebral bodies/end plates, and 5.9% in sacroiliac joints. The prevalence of increased uptake in the lumbosacral and cervical spine was 44% and 37%, respectively. When patients were divided into five age groups (below 40, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70 years and older), there was a significantly higher increased prevalence in advancing age groups.ConclusionsIn a hospital-wide population with spinal pain, there is a 42.88% prevalence of increased uptake in the facet joint on SPECT. The incidence increases significantly with advancing age. SPECT can play a role in investigating patients with spinal pain.     

Transverse Process and Needles of Medial Branch Block to Facet Joint as Landmarks for Ultrasound-Guided Selective Nerve Root Block

Background

Selective lumbar nerve root block (SNRB) is generally accepted as an effective treatment method for back pain with sciatica. However, it requires devices producing radioactive materials such as C-arm fluoroscopy. This study evaluated the usefulness of the longitudinal view of transverse process and needles for medial branch block as landmarks under ultrasonography.

Methods

We performed selective nerve root block for 96 nerve roots in 61 patients under the guidance of ultrasound. A curved probe was used to identify the facet joints and transverse processes. Identifying the lumbar nerve roots under the skin surface and ultrasound landmarks, the cephalad and caudal medial branch blocks were undertaken under the transverse view of sonogram first. A needle for nerve root block was inserted between the two transverse processes under longitudinal view, while estimating the depth with the needle for medial branch block. We then injected 1.0 mL of contrast medium and checked the distribution of the nerve root with C-arm fluoroscopy to evaluate the accuracy. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to access the clinical results.

Results

Seven SNRBs were performed for the L2 nerve root, 15 for L3, 49 for L4, and 25 for L5, respectively. Eighty-six SNRBs (89.5%) showed successful positioning of the needles. We failed in the following cases: 1 case for the L2 nerve root; 2 for L3; 3 for L4; and 4 for L5. The failed needles were positioned at wrong leveled segments in 4 cases and inappropriate place in 6 cases. VAS was improved from 7.6 ± 0.6 to 3.5 ± 1.3 after the procedure.

Conclusions

For SNRB in lumbar spine, the transverse processes under longitudinal view as the ultrasound landmark and the needles of medial branch block to the facet joint can be a promising guidance.     

Ultrasound-guided lumbar facet nerve block: accuracy of a new technique confirmed by computed tomography

BACKGROUND: Lumbar facet nerve (medial branch) blocks are often used to diagnose facet joint-mediated pain. The authors recently described a new ultrasound-guided methodology. The current study determines its accuracy using computed tomography scan controls. METHODS: Fifty bilateral ultrasound-guided approaches to the lumbar facet nerves were performed in five embalmed cadavers. The target point was the groove at the cephalad margin of the transverse (or costal) process L1-L5 (medial branch T12-L4) adjacent to the superior articular process. Axial transverse computed tomography scans, with and without 1 ml contrast dye, followed to evaluate needle positions and spread of contrast medium. RESULTS: Forty-five of 50 needle tips were located at the exact target point. The remaining 5 were within 5 mm of the target. In 47 of 50 cases, the applied contrast dye reached the groove where the nerve is located, corresponding to a simulated block success rate of 94% (95% confidence interval, 84-98%). Seven of 50 cases showed paraforaminal spread, 5 of 50 showed epidural spread, and 2 of 50 showed intravascular spread. Despite the aberrant distribution, all of these approaches were successful, as indicated by contrast dye at the target point. Abnormal contrast spread was equally distributed among all lumbar levels. Contrast traces along the needle channels were frequently observed. CONCLUSIONS:: The computed tomography scans confirm that our ultrasound technique for lumbar facet nerve block is highly accurate for the target at all five lumbar transverse processes (medial branches T12-L4). Aberrant contrast medium spread is comparable to that of the classic fluoroscopy-guided method.     

42例腰椎融合术后难治性下腰痛的治疗体会

目的探讨腰椎融合术后骶髂关节病变的特点及治疗方法与疗效。方法回顾性分析42例因腰椎退变性滑脱、腰椎椎间盘突出、腰椎椎管狭窄曾行后路减压、后外侧或椎体间植骨融合及椎弓根内固定术,术后随访12～72个月(平均42.6个月)出现新的难治性持续性下腰痛症状的病例。本研究运用骶髂关节内封闭进行诊断性治疗。阳性标准:疼痛缓解≥75%,采用疼痛视觉模拟量表(visual analogue scale,VAS)进行定量分析。结果阳性12例(28.57%),是否融合L5/S1、术后疼痛缓解期是否≥3个月与诊断阳性率相关,有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论腰椎融合术后下腰痛部分可能是由骶髂关节病变引起的,L5/S1融合可能促进骶髂关节发生退变。症状以下腰痛症状为主者,手术应慎重。     

[18F]-sodium fluoride PET/MR for painful lumbar facet joint degeneration – a randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND CONTEXT[18F]-sodium fluoride (NaF) PET/MR is a modern diagnostic modality for imaging increased bone turnover. Its merits in detecting painful facet joint osteoarthritis in patients with lumbar back pain are unknown.PURPOSETo perform a prospective randomized controlled study investigating [18F]-NaF PET/MR for detecting painful facet joints in comparison to the standard of care (SOC), including clinical examination and conventional MRI.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGRandomized controlled clinical study.PATIENT SAMPLEThirty-nine patients.OUTCOME MEASURESVisual analog pain scale (VAS) before and at several time points after facet joint infiltration.METHODSPatients with low back pain and suspected facet joint osteoarthritis underwent lumbar [18F]-NaF PET/MR, besides conventional MRI and clinical examination. After randomization, they either received local anesthetics/ corticosteroid infiltration of facet joints as defined by clinical examination and conventional MRI (SOC), or according to the hot spots on PET/MR. VAS was documented at 15 minutes, 1 day, 1 week and 1 month after infiltration. Thirty-nine patients underwent PET/MR before the study was stopped due to new Good Manufacturing Practice requirement and new regulations by radiation protection authorities limiting staff radiation exposure during the production of this radiotracer.RESULTSSignificant pain reduction compared to baseline was shown at every timepoint in both groups, except at 1 month after infiltration in the SOC group. Pain levels did not differ between SOC (n=17) and PET/MR patients (n=12) before infiltration and at 15 minutes, 1 day, 1 week and 1 month after infiltration. No significant correlation was detected between the sum of the PET/MR activity and the initial pain scores or relative reduction of pain after 15 minutes.The constructed study groups of patients with infiltration of all facet joints being PET/MR-positive (n=18) had significantly less pain after 1 months than patients with infiltration in PET/MR-negative facet joints (n=11) (VAS: 4 [0, 9] vs. 7 [2, 10], p=.046).CONCLUSIONSThere is no correlation of pain to NaF activity nor a relevant superiority of [18F]-NaF PET/MR for identification of painful facet joints compared to the standard of care.