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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Sacroiliac Joint Pain | Study protocol

Study protocol for a prospective, randomized, multicenter trial to investigate the influence of peripheral nerve stimulation on patients with chronic sacroiliac joint syndrome (SILENCING)

Authors: Tarik Alp Sargut, Dimitri Tkatschenko, Anton Früh, Jochen Tüttenberg, Alexander Heckert, Steffen Fleck, Anja Kuckuck, Simon Heinrich Bayerl

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

The prevalence of sacroiliac joint pain (SIJP) is estimated to be 10–30% in patients with chronic low back pain. Numerous conservative and surgical treatment modalities for SIJP have been described with limited evidence regarding long-term pain relief.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a well-established technique to treat patients with chronic low back pain. However, the effect on patients with SIJP is not consistent. Therefore, peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) for chronic SIJP was implemented in experimental trials. Clinical data on PNS for SIJP is still lacking. The authors present a case series and a protocol for a prospective, multicenter study to determine the effect of PNS in patients with chronic intractable SIJP.

Method

A multicenter, prospective randomized controlled trial was designed. Patients with chronic intractable SIJP will be recruited and randomized in a 4:3 ratio to either the peripheral nerve stimulation group or to the best medical treatment group. A total of 90 patients are planned to be enrolled (52 in the PNS group and 38 in the BMT group). Patients in the intervention group receive a percutaneous implantation of a unilateral or bilateral lead which is externalized for a trial phase for 3–14 days. After trial phase only patients with at least 50% reduction of pain receive an impulse generator for permanent stimulation. Regular visits for participants are planned on day 0, after 3 months (± 30 days), 6 months (± 30 days), and 12 months (± 60 days). The primary outcome measurements is the difference in Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS) between baseline and after 6 months. Secondary outcomes is improvement of pain associated disability (ODI) and improvement of health-related quality of life after 6 and 12 months.

Discussion

We have described the protocol for a prospective, multicenter, randomized trial evaluating the influence of PNS on patients with chronic sacroiliac joint syndrome. We believe that PNS on patients with chronic sacroiliac joint syndrome will show promising results regarding pain relief and quality of life in comparison to BMT after 12 months. The design of this trial promises high evidence in comparison to the data to date.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05357300. Registered on April 26, 2022.

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Title: Study protocol for a prospective, randomized, multicenter trial to investigate the influence of peripheral nerve stimulation on patients with chronic sacroiliac joint syndrome (SILENCING)
Authors: Tarik Alp Sargut
Dimitri Tkatschenko
Anton Früh
Jochen Tüttenberg
Alexander Heckert
Steffen Fleck
Anja Kuckuck
Simon Heinrich Bayerl
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Nerve Stimulation
Published in: Trials / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-024-08067-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Study protocol for a prospective, randomized, multicenter trial to investigate the influence of peripheral nerve stimulation on patients with chronic sacroiliac joint syndrome (SILENCING)

Abstract

Background

Method

Discussion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Discussion

Trial registration

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