Ultrasound-Guided Lateral Branch Radiofrequency Neurotomy for Sacroiliac Joint Pain After Lumbosacral Spinal Fusion Surgery

Abstract

Abstract Our study is to evaluate the clinical feasibility of the ultrasound-guided lateral branch radiofrequency neurotomy for sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain after lumbosacral spinal fusion surgery (LSFS). This is a prospective study including a total of 46 patients who were diagnosed with SIJ pain after LSFS, not responding to conservative treatment and therefore underwent ultrasound-guided SIJ radiofrequency ablation (RFA) from Jan 2019 to Jan 2022. These patients were followed up for twelve months after procedure. Patients were assessed with the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) pre-procedural and post-procedural for 1-month, 6-month and 12-month follow-ups. There was a significant improvement in post-procedural NRS and ODI scores (p < 0.001). Thirty-eight patients (82.6%) had a satisfactory response, good Global Perceived Effect (GPE) after twelve months. No significant complications were observed for 12 months' follow-up. The ultrasound-guided radiofrequency device designed as a safe, easily applied and encouraging method could avoid a revision surgery. It is a promising technique and has shown good results in providing intermediate pain relief. In addition to the limited series reported in the literature, future studies will add meaning to this topic by including it in routine practice.