Published in:
01-05-2011 | Clinical Article
Cryoneurolysis for zygapophyseal joint pain: a retrospective analysis of 117 interventions
Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica | Issue 5/2011
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Purpose
Lumbar facet joint syndrome (LFJS) is the cause of pain in 15-54% of the patients with low-back pain. There are few studies of cryotherapy for LFJS, focusing mainly on pain scores rather than further outcome measures. The aim of the study was to determine the long-term outcome after cryoneurolysis of lumbar facet joints, looking at pain scores, pain-related impairment patient satisfaction, and pain-related anxiety/depression.
Methods
The study design was a retrospective observational study. In a 4-year period, 117 cryoneurolyses were performed in 91 patients under CT guidance in the prone position. Data from patient charts and questionnaires pre- and post-treatment were evaluated.
Results
The mean pain rating sank from 7.70 before treatment to 3.72 post treatment. In the post-interventional 3 months follow-up, this value rose to 4.22. At follow-up (mean 1.7 years, range 6-52 months), the mean visual analogue scale (VAS) was 4.99.
The pain disability index revealed statistically significant improvements in the following items: familiar and domestic duties, recreation, social activities, profession and vitally indispensable activities (p < 0.05). Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) scores for depression showed a statistically significant decline after therapy, whereas scores for anxiety did not. A subgroup of patients who did not benefit from cryoneurolysis had elevated depression scores.
Conclusions
Cryoneurolysis for LFJS can lead to favourable results with sustained pain relief, amelioration of pain-related disability and reduction of depression scores.