Use of Radiofrequency for Chronic Low Back Pain with Sciatica: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic low back pain is a global health problem with a substantial occupational burden. Treatment is multidisciplinary and multimodal, combining pharmacological measures, rehabilitation, and minimally invasive therapies such as radiofre-quency treatment. Objective: To determine the efficacy of radiofrequency treatment in patients with chronic low back pain and sciatica through a review of the scientific literature. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA methodology and registered in the PROSPERO database. The selected studies were evaluated by the investigators and screened using Rayyan software to verify the inclusion criteria and conduct the subsequent analysis. Results: Nineteen studies involving 3,591 participants were included. Short-term success rates for facet joint pain ranged from 47.68% to 70%, but robust evidence of long-term efficacy is lacking. For discogenic pain, radiofrequency treatment targeting the dorsal root ganglion had a 1-year success rate of 86.9%. However, the lack of high-quality evidence and its use in combination with other therapies limit the recommendation of radiofrequency treatment as monotherapy. Conclusions: Radiofrequency treatment is a therapeutic option for the short-term management of facet joint and discogenic pain. There is no high-quality evidence indicating that it provides sustained pain relief in patients with chronic low back pain and sciatica. Its high cost and the short duration of its benefits requirerigorous selection of patients for this treatment.Downloads
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