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Open Access 01-05-2018 | Original Article

Intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation for the treatment of chronic low back pain: a prospective randomized double-blind sham-controlled multi-center study

Authors: Jeffrey S. Fischgrund, A. Rhyne, J. Franke, R. Sasso, S. Kitchel, H. Bae, C. Yeung, E. Truumees, M. Schaufele, P. Yuan, P. Vajkoczy, M. DePalma, D. G. Anderson, L. Thibodeau, B. Meyer

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 5/2018

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the basivertebral nerve (BVN) for the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP) in a Food and Drug Administration approved Investigational Device Exemption trial. The BVN has been shown to innervate endplate nociceptors which are thought to be a source of CLBP.

Methods

A total of 225 patients diagnosed with CLBP were randomized to either a sham (78 patients) or treatment (147 patients) intervention. The mean age within the study was 47 years (range 25–69) and the mean baseline ODI was 42. All patients had Type I or Type II Modic changes of the treated vertebral bodies. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The primary endpoint was the comparative change in ODI from baseline to 3 months.

Results

At 3 months, the average ODI in the treatment arm decreased 20.5 points, as compared to a 15.2 point decrease in the sham arm (p = 0.019, per-protocol population). A responder analysis based on ODI decrease ≥ 10 points showed that 75.6% of patients in the treatment arm as compared to 55.3% in the sham control arm exhibited a clinically meaningful improvement at 3 months.

Conclusion

Patients treated with RF ablation of the BVN for CLBP exhibited significantly greater improvement in ODI at 3 months and a higher responder rate than sham treated controls. BVN ablation represents a potential minimally invasive treatment for the relief of chronic low back pain.

Graphical abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation for the treatment of chronic low back pain: a prospective randomized double-blind sham-controlled multi-center study
Authors: Jeffrey S. Fischgrund
A. Rhyne
J. Franke
R. Sasso
S. Kitchel
H. Bae
C. Yeung
E. Truumees
M. Schaufele
P. Yuan
P. Vajkoczy
M. DePalma
D. G. Anderson
L. Thibodeau
B. Meyer
Publication date: 01-05-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 5/2018
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-018-5496-1

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation for the treatment of chronic low back pain: a prospective randomized double-blind sham-controlled multi-center study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Graphical abstract

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Graphical abstract

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