Transforaminal Epiduroscopic Basivertebral Nerve Laser Ablation for Chronic Low Back Pain Associated with Modic...

Area of Science:

• Spine surgery
• Pain management
• Minimally invasive procedures

Background:

• Chronic low back pain (CLBP) from degenerative disc disease presents significant diagnostic and treatment challenges.
• Current treatments include conservative care, pain interventions, and surgical stabilization, with varying success rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of transforaminal epiduroscopic basivertebral nerve laser ablation (TEBLA) for CLBP.
• To assess pain reduction and functional outcomes in patients with Modic changes.

Main Methods:

• Fourteen patients with CLBP unresponsive to conservative care were enrolled.
• Patients underwent screening for Modic type I or II changes and positive provocative discography.
• Basivertebral nerve (BVN) ablation was performed using a 1414 nm Nd:YAG laser via a transforaminal epiduroscopic approach.

Main Results:

• Mean follow-up was 15.3 months.
• Visual analog scale (VAS) scores significantly decreased from 7.79 preoperatively to 1.92 postoperatively (P < 0.01).
• 50% of patients achieved excellent outcomes, 42.85% good, and 7.14% fair, according to Macnab's criteria.

Conclusions:

• TEBLA is a promising treatment for carefully selected CLBP patients with Modic changes.
• The procedure demonstrates significant pain relief and favorable outcomes.
• Further research may support TEBLA as a viable option for specific CLBP cases.