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Radiofrequency Ablation for Facet-Mediated Low Back Pain: Current Knowledge and Limitations of the Evidence

  • Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation (J Friedly, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of review

The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a treatment modality for facet-mediated low back pain. This review also evaluates gaps in evidence for RFA including optimal eligibility criteria and technique and safety concerns.

Recent findings

There is a lack of high quality evidence supporting RFA for facet-mediated low back pain. Six randomized control studies and multiple observational studies have been carried out, with mixed results for the efficacy of RFA for pain relief. There is a high rate of variability in the eligibility criteria and technique used for RFA and little evidence to support the appropriate inclusion and procedure. There remain safety questions about RFA, especially with regard to long-term effects of denervating the multifidus muscle.

Summary

Radiofrequency ablation is an interventional technique performed with the goal of reducing facet-mediated low back pain, but evidence to support it as an effective treatment modality is lacking.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

    Anna Coles, Pradeep Suri, Sean Rundell, Isuta Nishio, Lubdha Shah & Janna Friedly

  2. University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Christopher Standaert

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  1. Anna Coles
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Coles, A., Suri, P., Rundell, S. et al. Radiofrequency Ablation for Facet-Mediated Low Back Pain: Current Knowledge and Limitations of the Evidence. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep 6, 26–35 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-018-0170-4

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