Z Orthop Unfall 2025; 163(02): 167-175
DOI: 10.1055/a-2348-1186
Original Article

Klinische Ergebnisse nach endoskopischer Facettengelenkdenervation bei Patienten mit chronischen Kreuzschmerzen

Article in several languages: English | deutsch
1   Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgie und Plastisch-Ästhetische Chirurgie, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland (Ringgold ID: RIN249152)
,
Philipp Egenolf
1   Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgie und Plastisch-Ästhetische Chirurgie, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland (Ringgold ID: RIN249152)
,
Johanna Menzhausen
1   Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgie und Plastisch-Ästhetische Chirurgie, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland (Ringgold ID: RIN249152)
,
Vincent Heck
1   Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgie und Plastisch-Ästhetische Chirurgie, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland (Ringgold ID: RIN249152)
,
Akanksha Perera
1   Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgie und Plastisch-Ästhetische Chirurgie, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland (Ringgold ID: RIN249152)
,
Peer Eysel
1   Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgie und Plastisch-Ästhetische Chirurgie, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland (Ringgold ID: RIN249152)
,
Max Scheyerer
2   Department for Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duesseldorf, Düsseldorf, Deutschland
,
1   Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgie und Plastisch-Ästhetische Chirurgie, Uniklinik Köln, Köln, Deutschland (Ringgold ID: RIN249152)
› Author Affiliations
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Abstract

Purpose

Several studies have reported that low back pain has a high prevalence among the population, with up to 85%. Percutaneous radiofrequency facet denervation (PRFD) is the gold standard of today’s rhizotomy for chronic low back pain (CLBP). However, previously published studies present controversial results for the efficacy of PRFD. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the use of endoscopic facet joint denervation (EFJD) to treat chronic low back pain and to identify potential risk factors that could limit indications for surgery.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively included 31 eligible patients into the study with at least 24 months of CLBP. All patients underwent EFJD and had to complete ODI, COMI, EQ-5D and VRS scores postoperatively, with a minimum follow up of 12 months. Basic patient data was recorded to analyse correlations.

Results

We found a significant improvement in all clinical scores measured, such as ODI, COMI, EQ-5D and VRS scores. While the best result was found at the 3 months follow-up, a slight deterioration was found at 12 months follow-up. However, significant benefit was observed when compared to preoperative scores. 28/31 patients (93.3%) reported reduced pain at 12 months follow-up and were satisfied with the procedure. Older age and psychiatric precondition were identified as potential risk factors associated with poorer outcome. Postoperative complications such as haematoma, a sensibility disorder and temporary low extremity muscular weakness were rarely observed.

Conclusion

EFJD showed significant improvement of the clinical outcome scores and VRS when compared to preoperative results of patients, with a minimum of 12 months of CLBP prior to surgery. Older patients and patients with a psychiatric precondition seem to benefit less from the procedure.



Publication History

Received: 23 September 2023

Accepted after revision: 17 June 2024

Article published online:
26 August 2024

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