A Prospective Randomized Comparison of Fluoroscopy and Ultrasound Guidance for Sacral Lateral Branch Radiofrequency Ablation
A Prospective Randomized Comparison of Fluoroscopy and Ultrasound Guidance for Sacral Lateral Branch Radiofrequency Ablation
Sacroiliac joint is a diarthroidal and synovial joint that receives sensory innervatin by the sacral lateral branches ( commonly S1-3, with variable contributions from L5 dorsal ramus and S4 lateral branch). Sacral lateral branch radiofrequency ablation and block techniques are widely used for the management of sacroiliac joint pain. With the increasing use of ultrasound technology in pain medicine, the ultrasound guided approaches gained popularity. To our knowledge, there are no randomized controlled trials comparing the ultrasound and fluoroscopy approaches for sacral lateral branch radiofrequency ablation. This study aims to compare the ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance techniques for sacral lateral branch radiofrequency ablation.
Inclusion Criteria:
Low back pain due to sacroiliac joint dysfunction >6 months with a score ≥ 4 on a numeric rating scale.
At least 3 positive physical examination maneuvers [ Faber ( flexioni abduction and external rotation), POSH (posteripr shear), REAB ( resisted abduction), Gaenslen's test, Distraction test]
Refractory to conservative therapy
Exclusion Criteria: The exclusion criteria were;