The Effectiveness of Intraosseous Basivertebral Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain: An Updated Systematic Review with Single-Arm Meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Objective To provide an estimate of the effectiveness of basivertebral nerve (BVN) radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat vertebrogenic low back pain (LBP). Design Systematic review with single-arm meta-analysis. Population Persons ≥18 years of age with chronic LBP associated with type 1 or 2 Modic changes. Intervention Intraosseous BVN RFA. Comparison Sham, placebo procedure, active standard care treatment, or none. Outcomes The proportion of patients treated with BVN RFA who reported ≥50% pain score improvement on a visual analog scale or numeric rating scale. The main secondary outcome was ≥15-point improvement in Oswestry Disability Index score. Methods Three reviewers independently assessed articles published before December 6, 2021, in MEDLINE and Embase. The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used to evaluate the overall quality of evidence. Results Of the 856 unique records screened, 12 publications met the inclusion criteria, representing six unique study populations, with 414 participants allocated to receive BVN RFA. Single-arm meta-analysis showed a success rate of 65% (95% confidence interval [CI] 51–78%) and 64% (95% CI 43–82%) for ≥50% pain relief at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Rates of ≥15-point Oswestry Disability Index score improvement were 75% (95% CI 63–86%) and 75% (95% CI 63–85%) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Conclusion According to GRADE, there is moderate-quality evidence that BVN RFA effectively reduces pain and disability in most patients with vertebrogenic LBP. Further high-quality studies will likely improve our understanding of the effectiveness of this procedure.