A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Neurotomy in Managing Chronic Neck Pain

Abstract

Background Extensive research into potential sources of neck pain and referred pain into the upper extremities and head has shown that the cervical facet joints can be a potential pain source confirmed by precision, diagnostic blocks. Study Design Systematic review and meta-analysis utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist, quality assessment of the included studies, conventional and single-arm meta-analysis, and best evidence synthesis. Objective The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effectiveness of radiofrequency neurotomy as a therapeutic cervical facet joint intervention in managing chronic neck pain. Methods Available literature was included. Methodologic quality assessment of studies was performed from 1996 to September 2021. The level of evidence of effectiveness was determined. Results Based on the qualitative and quantitative analysis with single-arm meta-analysis and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) system of appraisal, with inclusion of one randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 12 patients in the treatment group and eight positive observational studies with inclusion of 589 patients showing positive outcomes with moderate to high clinical applicability, the evidence is level II in managing neck pain with cervical radiofrequency neurotomy. The evidence for managing cervicogenic headache was level III to IV with qualitative analysis and single-arm meta-analysis and GRADE system of appraisal, with the inclusion of 15 patients in the treatment group in a positive RCT and 134 patients in observational studies. An overwhelming majority of the studies produced multiple lesions. Limitations There was a paucity of literature and heterogeneity among the available studies. Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis shows level II evidence with radiofrequency neurotomy on a long-term basis in managing chronic neck pain with level III to IV evidence in managing cervicogenic headaches. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40122-022-00455-0.

Personalized Medicine in Cancer Pain Management

“…Additionally, to complete the list of reported genes, this study utilized bioinformatical approaches and databases to introduce new related genes. By combining the bioinformatics results as the suggested in silico findings (level 1) and the literature reports as the experimentally evidenced (level 2), a new potential gene list is introduced (level 3) ( Table 1 ) [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ].…”

Subjective and Objective Improvement in a 39-Year-Old Male Suffering From Severe Chronic Pain and Disability Using Chiropractic BioPhysics® Protocols Following Rear-Impact Motor Vehicle Crash With a 10-Month Long-Term Follow-Up

“…Beyond conservative care, further invasive procedures may attempt to alleviate suffering. Radiofrequency nerve ablation (RFA), injection of analgesic and steroid medications, discectomy, anterior and posterior screw fixation, as well as disc replacement surgeries have their success and complications [36][37][38][39]. Wrong level/wrong site surgeries, surgical risk of local infection, and sepsis can be adverse consequences.…”