Cryoneurolysis for zygapophyseal joint pain: a retrospective analysis of 117 interventions
- نوع فایل : کتاب
- زبان : انگلیسی
- مؤلف : Tilman Wolter &M. Deininger & U. Hubbe & M. Mohadjer & S. Knoeller
- چاپ و سال / کشور: 2011
Description
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 preand 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 painrelated disability and reduction of depression scores.
Acta Neurochir (2011) 153:1011–1019 Received: 8 March 2010 / Accepted: 3 February 2011 / Published online: 26 February 2011
