Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency Ablation for SI joint pain:An observational study

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Radiology

Background:

• Chronic sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain affects function and quality of life.
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a treatment option for SIJ pain.
• Ultrasound (US) guidance offers a potential alternative for RFA procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of US-guided RFA for SIJ pain.
• To assess changes in pain intensity, function, and quality of life.
• To compare US-guided RFA with fluoroscopy (FL)-guided RFA.

Main Methods:

• US-guided SIJ RFA was performed using bipolar radiofrequency (RF) cannulae along the lateral sacral crest (LSC).
• Pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale) and quality of life (PDQQ-S) were assessed pre- and post-procedure up to 16 months.
• Outcomes were compared between US-guided and FL-guided RFA in patients with prior FL-guided RFA.

Main Results:

• Significant pain reduction was observed up to 9 months post-US-guided SIJ RFA (p=0.0005).
• A clinically significant pain reduction (≥2 points) was achieved by 48.4% of participants at 9 months.
• No significant differences in pain or quality of life were found between US- and FL-guided RFA at 2 months.

Conclusions:

• US-guided SIJ RFA is a feasible technique for managing chronic pain.
• The study suggests potential benefits in pain reduction and functional improvement.
• Further research is needed to confirm the long-term effectiveness of US-guided SIJ RFA.