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Romera M, Rodrigo-Paradells V, Varela N, Guillén EF, Navarro-Astiasarán M, Domínguez-Echavarri P, Betech-Antar V, Mínguez F, Basanta A, Rosales JJ, Arbizu J. Bone SPECT/CT in the diagnosis and treatment decision making of axial pain. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2025:10.1007/s00586-025-08967-x. [PMID: 40418227 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-025-08967-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2025] [Revised: 05/12/2025] [Accepted: 05/15/2025] [Indexed: 05/27/2025]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the usefulness of bone SPECT/CT for providing additional information to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in patients with axial pain, and for guiding the site of spinal injections. METHODS We studied 194 patients with axial pain evaluated with SPECT/CT and MRI. Imaging abnormalities were classified according to location and diagnosis of pain generators. Patient outcomes after SPECT/CT guided spinal injection were evaluated during clinical follow-up. Descriptive analyses and kappa coefficient were performed for facet joint arthropathy detection and degenerative disc disease between imaging modalities. RESULTS MRI showed 44.3% more abnormalities than SPECT/CT (329 vs. 228). However, SPECT/CT detected 17% more patients with facet joint arthropathy compared to MRI (43.3% vs. 26.3% respectively). Imaging agreement for diagnosing degenerative disc disease was moderate (κ: 0.44; 95% CI, 0.32-0.56), but only fair for facet joint arthropathy (κ: 0.35; 95% CI, 0.28-0.42). The response to spinal injections guided by SPECT/CT imaging was assessed in 56 patients with facet joint arthropathy. Among these, 26 /56 had a history of previous spinal injections guided by physical examination. In this group, the response was effective or partially effective in 65.4% of patients and ineffective in 34.6%. After a second injection guided by SPECT/CT, the response rate increased to 88.4%, with only 11.6% remaining ineffective, resulting in an absolute benefit of 23.4%. In 30/56 patients with no prior history of spinal injections, the therapy was effective or partially effective in 93.3%, while 6.7% did not show any improvement in pain after SPECT/CT-guided spinal injections. CONCLUSION Bone SPECT/CT imaging complements MRI by providing valuable information to identify pain generators. In facet joint arthropathy, it improves the effectiveness of pain relief when used to guide spinal injections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Romera
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Nicolás Varela
- Pain Area, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Edgar F Guillén
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | | - Vicky Betech-Antar
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Mínguez
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Andrés Basanta
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan J Rosales
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Javier Arbizu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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Milavec H, Schimmelpenning V, Rommers N, Dimitriu MI, Jaeger M, Werner CL, Brugger R. Prevalence of Degenerative Spinal Hot Spots on Bone Scintigraphy Among Orthopedic Patients. Cureus 2025; 17:e77779. [PMID: 39981452 PMCID: PMC11841691 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.77779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2025] [Indexed: 02/22/2025] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Emerging nuclear imaging technologies are advancing the field of spinal diagnostics for degenerative changes. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of spinal hot spots in an orthopedic population undergoing bone scintigraphy (BS) for reasons unrelated to the spine and to assess the correlation of these hot spots with the presence of corresponding spinal complaints. METHODS A retrospective analysis of patients from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology who provided general consent for the use of their medical data. Adult patients who underwent single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) over a two-year period for non-spinal complaints, along with a corresponding whole-body BS, were included. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of degenerative spinal hot spots detectable on BS. The secondary endpoint evaluated clinical complaints recorded in medical records for each spinal region. RESULTS Among 30 patients (mean age: 66.1 years; 30% male, 70% female), the prevalence of spinal hot spots on BS was 23.3% (n=7) in the cervical spine, 10% (n=3) in the thoracic spine, 33.3% (n=10) in the lumbar spine, and 6.7% (n=2) in the sacroiliac joint (SIJ). Most patients with cervical and lumbar hot spots had corresponding spinal symptoms, such as pain, tenderness, or stiffness, documented in their medical records, whereas thoracic complaints were less commonly noted. CONCLUSION The study outlines the prevalence of spinal hot spots in various spinal regions among a general orthopedic population undergoing bone scans for non-spinal complaints. A strong correlation was found between spinal complaints and high uptake in the cervical spine and lower back. These findings highlight the added value of comprehensive bone scan evaluations in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Milavec
- Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Aarau Cantonal Hospital, Aarau, CHE
- Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, CHE
| | | | - Nikki Rommers
- Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, CHE
| | - Mara I Dimitriu
- Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Aarau Cantonal Hospital, Aarau, CHE
| | - Martin Jaeger
- Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Aarau Cantonal Hospital, Aarau, CHE
| | - Clément L Werner
- Spine Surgery, Etzelclinic, Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Pfaeffikon, CHE
| | - Robin Brugger
- Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Aarau Cantonal Hospital, Aarau, CHE
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Van Oosterwyck W, Vander Cruyssen P, Castille F, Van de Kelft E, Decaigny V. Lumbar Facet Joint Disease: What, Why, and When? Life (Basel) 2024; 14:1480. [PMID: 39598277 PMCID: PMC11595282 DOI: 10.3390/life14111480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2024] [Revised: 10/31/2024] [Accepted: 11/12/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) affects over 60% of individuals in their lifetime and is a leading cause of disability and increased healthcare expenditure. Facet joint pain (FJP) occurs in 27% to 40% of LBP patients but is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Additionally, there is no clear correlation between the clinical examination, radiological findings, and clinical presentation, complicating the diagnosis and treatment of FJP. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the literature regarding facet joint pain and discusses the utility of medial branch blocks (MBBs) and intra-articular (IA) injections as diagnostic and therapeutic tools prior to radiofrequency ablation (RFA). RFA is considered the gold standard for managing FJP, employing techniques that include precise needle placement and stimulation parameters to disrupt pain signals. Promising alternatives such as cooled RFA and cryodenervation require further research on their long-term efficacy and safety. Endoscopic denervation and multifidus stimulation are emerging therapies that may benefit chronic LBP patients, but additional research is needed to establish their effectiveness. When conservative management fails, RFA provides significant and lasting relief in well-selected patients and has a favourable safety profile. The current literature does not support surgical interventions for FJP management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wout Van Oosterwyck
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, General Hospital Maria Middelares, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Vander Cruyssen
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, General Hospital Maria Middelares, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Castille
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, General Hospital Maria Middelares, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Erik Van de Kelft
- Department of Neurosurgery, Vitaz Hospital, 9100 St-Niklaas, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Veronique Decaigny
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, General Hospital Maria Middelares, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Klessinger S, Casser HR, Gillner S, Koepp H, Kopf A, Legat M, Meiler K, Norda H, Schneider M, Scholz M, Slotty PJ, Tronnier V, Vazan M, Wiechert K. Radiofrequency Denervation of the Spine and the Sacroiliac Joint: A Systematic Review based on the Grades of Recommendations, Assesment, Development, and Evaluation Approach Resulting in a German National Guideline. Global Spine J 2024; 14:2124-2154. [PMID: 38321700 PMCID: PMC11418679 DOI: 10.1177/21925682241230922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Systematic review of the literature and subsequent meta-analysis for the development of a new guideline. OBJECTIVES This manuscript summarizes the recommendations from a new clinical guideline published by the German Spine Society. It covers the current evidence on recommendations regarding the indication, test blocks and use of radiofrequency denervation. The guidelines aim is to improve patient care and efficiency of the procedure. METHODS A multidisciplinary working group formulated recommendations based on the Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. RESULTS 20 clinical questions were defined for guideline development, with 87.5% consensus achieved by committee members for one recommendation and 100% consensus for all other topics. Specific questions that were addressed included clinical history, examination and imaging, conservative treatment before injections, diagnostic blocks, the injected medications, the cut-off value in pain-reduction for a diagnostic block as well as the number of blocks, image guidance, the cannula trajectories, the lesion size, stimulation, repeat radiofrequency denervation, sedation, cessation or continuation of anticoagulants, the influence of metal hardware, and ways to mitigate complications. CONCLUSION Radiofrequency (RF) denervation of the spine and the SI joint may provide benefit to well-selected individuals. The recommendations of this guideline are based on very low to moderate quality of evidence as well as professional consensus. The guideline working groups recommend that research efforts in relation to all aspects of management of facet joint pain and SI joint pain should be intensified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Klessinger
- Neurochirurgie Biberach, Biberach, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Holger Koepp
- Wirbelsäulenzentrum, St Josefs-Hospital, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Andreas Kopf
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie mit Schwerpunkt operative Intensivmedizin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Matti Scholz
- ATOS Orthopädische Klinik Braunfels GmbH & Co KG, Braunfels, Germany
| | | | | | - Martin Vazan
- Wirbelsäulen- und Rückenzentrum Dresden, Praxis für Neurochirurgie, Dresden, Germany
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Garcia D, Akinduro OO, De Biase G, Montaser A, Ramirez R, Chen S, Sandhu SJS, Abode-Iyamah K, Nottmeier E. Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT-CT) as a Predictor of Pain Generators in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) for Axial Cervical Pain. Cureus 2024; 16:e58821. [PMID: 38784355 PMCID: PMC11113084 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Axial neck pain is often associated with cervical instability, and surgical options are often reserved for patients with either neurological compromise or deformity of the spine. However, cervical facet arthropathy is often implicated with instability and the location of painful generators is often difficult to ascertain. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT-CT) presents an adjunct to conventional imaging in the workup of patients with suspected facetogenic pain. We aimed to report our experience with patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) guided by SPECT-CT for axial cervical pain. METHODS We retrospectively identified all cases undergoing ACDF that presented with axial neck pain where correlating SPECT-CT high metabolism areas were identified. Patients were treated at a tertiary care institution between January 2018 and January 2021. Patients with positive radiotracer uptake pre-operatively were compared with patients undergoing ACDF without uptake on SPECT-CT. The pre- and post-operative patients who reported neck pain at one year were compared. RESULTS Thirty-five patients were included in this retrospective cohort. The median pre- and post-intervention (at one-year follow-up) visual analog score (VAS) of patients undergoing ACDF without uptake on SPECT-CT was 7 and 3 (p<0.01), while the pre- and post-VAS for patients undergoing surgery with positive uptake on SPECT-CT was 8.5 and 0 (p<0.01). Improvement was significantly larger for patients undergoing SPECT-CT-guided ACDF (p=0.02). At one year after surgery, none of the assessed patients required additional surgical intervention. CONCLUSION This case series represents the experience of our group to date with patients undergoing SPECT-CT-guided ACDF with results suggesting potential benefit in guiding fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Selby Chen
- Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, USA
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Lehman VT, Tiegs-Heiden CA, Broski SM. Beyond Anatomy: Fat-Suppressed MR and Molecular Imaging of Spinal Pain Generators. Radiol Clin North Am 2024; 62:247-261. [PMID: 38272618 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Spine pain is highly prevalent and costly, but evaluation with clinical features and anatomic imaging remain limited. Fat-suppressed MR imaging and molecular imaging (MI) may help identify inflammatory, lesional, and malignant causes. Numerous MI agents are available, each with advantages and disadvantages. Herein, FDG PET, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), bone radiotracers, and others are highlighted. No specific pain MI agents have been identified, but mechanisms of key agents are shown in video format, and the mechanism of PSMA as a theranostic agent is displayed. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to master this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vance T Lehman
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SouthWest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | | | - Stephen M Broski
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SouthWest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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7
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Scholten P, Sheikh M, Atchison J, Eldrige JS, Garcia D, Sandhu S, Qu W, Nottmeier E, Fox WC, Buchanan I, Pirris S, Chen S, Quinones-Hinojosa A, Abode-Iyamah K. Correlating SPECT-CT activity in lumbar facet joints with response to lumbar medial branch and L5 dorsal ramus blocks. INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MEDICINE 2024; 3:100387. [PMID: 39239486 PMCID: PMC11372969 DOI: 10.1016/j.inpm.2024.100387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Lumbar facet arthritis is a significant source of back pain and impaired function that is amenable to treatment with medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN). Identifying appropriate patients for this treatment requires integration of information from the history, physical exam, and diagnostic imaging, but the current diagnostic standard for facet-mediated pain is positive comparative medial branch blocks (MBBs). Lumbar SPECT-CT has recently been evaluated as a potential predictor of positive MBBs with mixed results. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to determine if the level of concordance between SPECT-CT uptake and facet joints targeted with MBB was associated with a positive block. Methods A retrospective review was performed to identify all patients undergoing lumbar MBB within 12 months after having a lumbar SPECT-CT. Each procedure was classified into one of four categories based on the level of concordance between facet joints demonstrating increased 99mTc uptake on SPECT-CT and those being blocked: 1) Complete Concordance (all joints demonstrating increased uptake were blocked and no additional joints blocked); 2) Partial Concordance (all joints demonstrating increased uptake were blocked, with at least one joint not demonstrating increased uptake blocked); 3) Partial Discordance (at least one but not all joints demonstrating increased uptake were blocked); 4) Complete Discordance (all blocks performed at joints not demonstrating increased uptake). Statistical analysis was performed to determine if the level of concordance between increased uptake on SPECT-CT and joints undergoing MBB was associated with a positive block using cutoffs of 50 % and 80 % pain relief. Results A total of 180 procedures were analyzed (23 % Complete Concordance, 22 % Partial Concordance, 31 % Partial Discordance, 24 % Complete Discordance) and all groups demonstrated improvement in pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores. There was no significant association between level of concordance and having a positive block using thresholds of 50 % pain relief, χ 2(3, N = 180) = 4.880, p = .181; or 80 % pain relief, χ 2(3, N = 180) = 1.272, p = .736. Conclusion SPECT-CT findings do not accurately predict positive lumbar MBB but may provide valuable information that can be considered with other factors when deciding which joints to treat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Scholten
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Mateen Sheikh
- University of North Florida, 1 UNF Dr., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - James Atchison
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Jason S Eldrige
- Department of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Diogo Garcia
- Departement of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Sukhwinder Sandhu
- Department of Neuroradiology, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Wenchun Qu
- Department of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Eric Nottmeier
- Departement of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - W Christopher Fox
- Departement of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Ian Buchanan
- Departement of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Stephen Pirris
- Departement of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Selby Chen
- Departement of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa
- Departement of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Kingsley Abode-Iyamah
- Departement of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
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Pendleton J, Ng A. SPECT/CT Scan: A New Diagnostic Tool in Pain Medicine. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2023; 27:729-735. [PMID: 37837482 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-023-01177-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to evaluate the role of SPECT/CT in identifying facet joint arthropathy and the outcomes of interventions with SPECT/CT as an adjunct. RECENT FINDINGS A positive finding of facet arthropathy on SPECT/CT is associated with a higher likelihood of a unilateral procedure and a significantly more effective intervention compared with those performed on patients with facet arthropathy diagnosed only by clinical and/or radiologic examination. Surgical treatment of SPECT/CT-positive findings appears to have a good effect; however, due to limitations in the available studies, no strong conclusion can be drawn. SPECT/CT has a good correlation identifying pain generators in chronic neck and back pain. SPECT/CT-targeted facet interventions demonstrate a higher success rate, but SPECT/CT is not recommended as a first-line diagnostic tool prior to diagnostic facet interventions. More robust studies are needed to confirm the higher success of surgical treatment for SPECT/CT-positive facet arthropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Pendleton
- Jefferson Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrew Ng
- Jefferson Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Peckham ME, Miller TS, Amrhein TJ, Hirsch JA, Kranz PG. Image-Guided Spine Interventions for Pain: Ongoing Controversies. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2023; 220:736-745. [PMID: 36541595 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.22.28643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
An expanding array of image-guided spine interventions have the potential to provide immediate and effective pain relief. Innovations in spine intervention have proceeded rapidly, with clinical adoption of new techniques at times occurring before the development of bodies of evidence to establish efficacy. Although new spine interventions have been evaluated by clinical trials, acceptance of results has been hindered by controversies regarding trial methodology. This article explores controversial aspects of four categories of image-guided interventions for painful conditions: spine interventions for postdural puncture headache resulting from prior lumbar procedures, epidural steroid injections for cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, interventions for facet and sacroiliac joint pain, and vertebral augmentations for compression fractures. For each intervention, we summarize the available literature, with an emphasis on persistent controversies, and discuss how current areas of disagreement and challenge may shape future research and innovation. Despite the ongoing areas of debate regarding various aspects of these procedures, effective treatments continue to emerge and show promise for aiding relief of a range of debilitating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam E Peckham
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, 30 N 1900 E, #1A071, Salt Lake City, UT 84132-2140
| | - Todd S Miller
- Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Timothy J Amrhein
- Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Spine Intervention Service, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Joshua A Hirsch
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Peter G Kranz
- Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
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Varga M, Kantorová L, Langaufová A, Štulík J, Lančová L, Srikandarajah N, Kaiser R. Role of Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Imaging in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Neck or Back Pain Caused by Spinal Degeneration: A Systematic Review. World Neurosurg 2023; 173:65-78. [PMID: 36803686 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.02.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic neck or back pain is a common clinical problem. The most likely cause is degenerative change, whereas other causes are relatively rare. There is increasing evidence on using hybrid single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to identify the pain generator in spine degeneration. This systematic review explores the diagnostic and therapeutic evidence on chronic neck or back pain examined by SPECT. METHODS This review is reported in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. In October 2022, we searched the following sources: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and 3 other sources. Titles and abstracts were screened and classified into diagnostic studies, facet block studies, and surgical studies. We synthesized the results narratively. RESULTS The search yielded 2347 records. We identified 10 diagnostic studies comparing SPECT or SPECT/computed tomography (CT) with magnetic resonance imaging, CT, scintigraphy, or clinical examination. Furthermore, we found 8 studies comparing the effect of facet block intervention in SPECT-positive and SPECT-negative patients with cervicogenic headache, neck pain, and lower back pain. Five surgical studies describing the effect of fusion for facet arthropathy in the craniocervical junction, subaxial cervical spine, or the lumbar spine were identified. CONCLUSIONS According to the available literature, a positive finding on SPECT in facet arthropathy is associated with a significantly higher facet blockade effect. Surgical treatment of positive findings has a good effect, but this has not been confirmed by controlled studies. SPECT/CT might therefore be a useful method in the evaluation of patients with neck or back pain, especially in cases of unclear findings or multiple degenerative changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Varga
- Department of Spinal Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Lucia Kantorová
- The Czech National Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare and Knowledge Translation (Cochrane Czech Republic, Czech CEBHC: JBI Centre of Excellence, Masaryk University GRADE Centre), Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Langaufová
- The Czech National Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare and Knowledge Translation (Cochrane Czech Republic, Czech CEBHC: JBI Centre of Excellence, Masaryk University GRADE Centre), Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Štulík
- Department of Spinal Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Lančová
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Endocrinology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Military University Hospital Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nisaharan Srikandarajah
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Radek Kaiser
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurooncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Military University Hospital Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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Han CS, Hancock MJ, Sharma S, Sharma S, Harris IA, Cohen SP, Magnussen J, Maher CG, Traeger AC. Low back pain of disc, sacroiliac joint, or facet joint origin: a diagnostic accuracy systematic review. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 59:101960. [PMID: 37096189 PMCID: PMC10121397 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The accuracy of diagnostic tests available in primary care to identify the disc, sacroiliac joint, and facet joint as the source of low back pain is uncertain. Methods Systematic review of diagnostic tests available in primary care. MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE were searched between March 2006 and 25th January 2023. Pairs of reviewers independently screened all studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using QUADAS-2. Pooling was performed for homogenous studies. Positive likelihood ratios (+LR) ≥2 and negative likelihood ratios (-LR) ≤0.5 were considered informative. This review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020169828). Findings We included 62 studies: 35 investigated the disc, 14 the facet joint, 11 the sacroiliac joint, and 2 investigated all three structures in patients with persistent low back pain. For risk of bias, the domain 'reference standard' scored worst, however approximately half the studies were of low risk of bias for every other domain. For the disc, pooling demonstrated MRI findings of disc degeneration and annular fissure resulted in informative +LRs: 2.53 (95% CI: 1.57-4.07) and 2.88 (95% CI: 2.02-4.10) and -LRs: 0.15 (95% CI: 0.09-0.24) and 0.24 (95% CI: 0.10-0.55) respectively. Pooled results for Modic type 1, Modic type 2, and HIZ on MRI, and centralisation phenomenon yielded informative +LRs: 10.00 (95% CI: 4.20-23.82), 8.03 (95% CI: 3.23-19.97), 3.10 (95% CI: 2.27-4.25), and 3.06 (95% CI: 1.44-6.50) respectively, but uninformative -LRs: 0.84 (95% CI: 0.74-0.96), 0.88 (95% CI: 0.80-0.96), 0.61 (95% CI: 0.48-0.77), and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.52-0.84) respectively. For the facet joint, pooling demonstrated facet joint uptake on SPECT resulted in informative +LRs: 2.80 (95% CI: 1.82-4.31) and -LRs: 0.44 (95% CI: 0.25-0.77). For the sacroiliac joint, a combination of pain provocation tests and absence of midline low back pain resulted in informative +LRs of 2.41 (95% CI: 1.89-3.07) and 2.44 (95% CI: 1.50-3.98) and -LRs of 0.35 (95% CI: 0.12-1.01) and 0.31 (95% CI: 0.21-0.47) respectively. Radionuclide imaging yielded an informative +LR 7.33 (95% CI: 1.42-37.80) but an uninformative -LR 0.74 (95% CI: 0.41-1.34). Interpretation There are informative diagnostic tests for the disc, sacroiliac joint, and facet joint (only one test). The evidence suggests a diagnosis may be possible for some patients with low back pain, potentially guiding targeted and specific treatment approaches. Funding There was no funding for this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S. Han
- The University of Sydney, Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Mark J. Hancock
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sweekriti Sharma
- The University of Sydney, Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Saurab Sharma
- Department of Exercise Physiology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ian A. Harris
- The University of Sydney, Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Steven P. Cohen
- Anaesthesiology, Pain Medicine Division, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John Magnussen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chris G. Maher
- The University of Sydney, Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adrian C. Traeger
- The University of Sydney, Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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12
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Du R, Xu G, Bai X, Li Z. Facet Joint Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. J Pain Res 2022; 15:3689-3710. [PMID: 36474960 PMCID: PMC9719706 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s389602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Facet joint osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequent form of facet joint syndrome. Medical history, referred pain patterns, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging studies (standard radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography) may suggest but not confirm lumbar facet joint (LFJ) syndrome as a source of low back pain (LBP). However, the diagnosis and treatment of facet joint syndrome is still controversial and needs further study. It is widely acknowledged that block with local anesthetic is perhaps the most effective method to establish a diagnosis of pain from LFJ. Particularly, there are different rates of success among different populations selected for diagnostic block with various positive criteria. Currently, in addition to conservative treatments for pain such as painkillers, functional exercises, and massage, there are many other methods, including block, denervation of the nerves that innervate the joints by radiofrequency, freezing or endoscopy, and injections. Due to the limited duration of pain relief from neurolysis of medial branch, many scholars have recently turned their targets to dorsal roots and LFJ capsules. Therefore, we reviewed the latest research progress of facet joint syndrome from diagnosis to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihuan Du
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xujue Bai
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhonghai Li
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism for Repair and Remodeling of Orthopedic Diseases, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
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13
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Nolan JE, Sundet AD, Kagan BD, Lake TJ, Krag MH, Lunardini DJ. The positive prediction of single photon emission computed tomography/ computed tomography (SPECT/CT) in the outcome of intervention for cervical facet pain. Spine J 2022; 22:1622-1627. [PMID: 35537654 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2022.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Previous studies have reported that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) do not predict response to facet blocks. However, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) uptake within facet joints has been shown to correlate with pain relief after intervention in the lumbar spine. There is minimal data regarding the predictive value of single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for neck pain. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of SPECT/CT in patients with axial neck pain for the identification of specific facet joints that would benefit from diagnostic and therapeutic facet joint steroid injections and/or medial branch block/RFA treatments. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE One hundred seventy-nine patients at a single institution pain center with neck pain and a SPECT/CT scan between 2009 and 2015. One hundred twelve patients had no prior intervention at the level of interest and met inclusion criteria. OUTCOME MEASURES Pain reduction at 50% and 80% thresholds within 24 hours of facet intervention. Concordance of facet intervention with the focus of maximal uptake on SPECT/CT scan. METHODS All patients were referred to our institution's Center for Pain Medicine and were treated with facet interventions. The site of facet intervention was determined by pain center providers based on their clinical examination and interpretation of images. Groups were formed based on whether the facet intervention included the level of maximal uptake on SPECT/CT scan. A positive response to intervention was defined at both 50% and 80% thresholds for reduction in pain within 24 hours of facet injection with steroid and local anesthetic or medial branch block with local anesthetic only. These were the facet interventions used for our data collection. A Chi-square statistic was used to analyze categorical data and a Student's t-test was used to analyze non-categorical data. SPSS (IBM Corp. IBM SPSS Version 24.0) was used for all analyses. RESULTS Of our 112 patients, Group 1 consisted of 89 with an intervention occurring at the level with increased uptake on SPECT/CT. Group 2 consisted of 23 patients with an intervention at a level without uptake on SPECT/CT. Demographic data did not significantly differ between cohorts. A Chi-square test of independence demonstrated that intervention at a level concordant with SPECT/CT was significantly correlated with self-reported pain relief thresholds of both 50% and 80% (p=.0002). CONCLUSIONS Facet interventions based on SPECT/CT scan uptake were more successful in pain reduction than those which were not. This suggests a role for SPECT/CT in diagnosing therapeutic targets for neck pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Nolan
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation Robert T. Stafford Hall, University of Vermont Medical Center, 4th Floor, 95 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont Given Medical Building, E-126, 89 Beaumont Ave, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Alec D Sundet
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation Robert T. Stafford Hall, University of Vermont Medical Center, 4th Floor, 95 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont Given Medical Building, E-126, 89 Beaumont Ave, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Benjamin D Kagan
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation Robert T. Stafford Hall, University of Vermont Medical Center, 4th Floor, 95 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont Given Medical Building, E-126, 89 Beaumont Ave, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Tiffini J Lake
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation Robert T. Stafford Hall, University of Vermont Medical Center, 4th Floor, 95 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Vermont Medical Center, West Pavilion Level 2, 111 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
| | - Martin H Krag
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation Robert T. Stafford Hall, University of Vermont Medical Center, 4th Floor, 95 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont Given Medical Building, E-126, 89 Beaumont Ave, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - David J Lunardini
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation Robert T. Stafford Hall, University of Vermont Medical Center, 4th Floor, 95 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont Given Medical Building, E-126, 89 Beaumont Ave, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
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14
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SPECT-CT as a Predictor of Pain Generators in Patients Undergoing Intra-Articular Injections for Chronic Neck and Back Pain. World Neurosurg 2022; 164:e1243-e1250. [PMID: 35691522 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to accurately predict pain generators for chronic neck and back pain remains elusive. OBJECTIVE We evaluated whether injections targeted at foci with uptake on single-photon emission computerized tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) were associated with improved outcomes in patients with chronic neck and back pain. METHODS A retrospective review was completed on patients undergoing SPECT-CT for chronic neck and back pain between 2016 and 2020 at a tertiary academic center. Patients' records were reviewed for demographic, clinical, imaging, and outcomes data. Only those patients who had facet injections after SPECT-CT were included in this evaluation. Patients undergoing injections targeted at foci of abnormal radiotracer uptake were compared with patients without uptake concerning immediate positive response, visual analog scale, and the need for additional injection or surgery at the target level. RESULTS A total of 2849 patients were evaluated with a SPECT-CT for chronic neck and back pain. Of those, 340 (11.9%) patients received facet joint injections after SPECT-CT. A propensity score regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, multiple target injections, and injection location showed uptake targeted injections not being associated with an improved immediate positive response (odds ratio: 0.64; 95% confidence interval: 0.34-1.21; P = 0.172). In patients with a failed facet injection preceding SPECT-CT, adding SPECT-CT to guide facet injections was associated with a decrease in visual analog scale pain scores 2 weeks after injection (P = 0.018), particularly when changes were made to the facets being targeted (P = 0.010). CONCLUSION This study suggests that there is benefit with SPECT-CT specially to guide facet injections after failed prior facet injections.
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15
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A New Strategy for Rapid Diagnosis of the Source of Low Back Pain in Patients Scheduled to Undergo Treatment with Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11101822. [PMID: 34679520 PMCID: PMC8534588 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11101822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a new strategy for rapid diagnosis of the source of low back pain (LBP) for treatment with cooled radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Materials: Patients suffering from facet joint (FJ) or sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain for more than 3 months were included. Two methods, Technetium Tc99m methylene diphosphonate single photon emission tomography/computed tomography (99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT) and a modified Fortin finger test were used to identify the source of LBP for treatment with cooled RFA. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to assess the patients’ pain levels and disabilities respectively. These two measures were recorded at baseline and 1-week, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up visits. Results: A total of 40 patients with LBP were included in this study. Our results demonstrated that the patients with LBP identified by our new strategy had significant improvements in VAS or ODI score at 1-week to 6-month follow-up visits (p < 0.001) after receiving cooled RFA. Similar results were also found in patients with FJ pain and those with FJ and SIJ pain respectively. Among all the patients, over 70% had greater than or equal to 50% reduction in VAS and ODI scores. No serious adverse events were observed after treatment. Conclusions: This new strategy could be successfully adopted for rapid diagnosis of the source of comprehensive LBP.
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16
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Lawson GE, Nolet PS, Little AR, Bhattacharyya A, Wang V, Lawson CA, Ko GD. Medial Branch Blocks for Diagnosis of Facet Joint Pain Etiology and Use in Chronic Pain Litigation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17217932. [PMID: 33137975 PMCID: PMC7662497 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A commonly disputed medicolegal issue is the documentation of the location, degree, and anatomical source of an injured plaintiff’s ongoing pain, particularly when the painful region is in or near the spine, and when the symptoms have arisen as result of a relatively low speed traffic crash. The purpose of our paper is to provide health and legal practitioners with strategies to identify the source of cervical pain and to aid triers of fact (decision makers) in reaching better informed conclusions. We review the medical evidence for the applications and reliability of cervical medial branch nerve blocks as an indication of painful spinal facets. We also present legal precedents for the legal admissibility of the results of such diagnostic testing as evidence of chronic spine pain after a traffic crash. Part of the reason for the dispute is the subjective nature of pain, and the fact that medical documentation of pain complaints relies primarily on the history given by the patient. A condition that can be documented objectively is chronic cervical spine facet joint pain, as demonstrated by medial branch block (injection). The diagnostic accuracy of medial branch blocks has been extensively described in the scientific medical literature, and evidence of facet blocks to objectively document chronic post-traumatic neck pain has been accepted as scientifically reliable in courts and tribunals in the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom. We conclude that there is convincing scientific medical evidence that the results of cervical facet blocks provide reliable objective evidence of chronic post-traumatic spine pain, suitable for presentation to an adjudicative decision maker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon E. Lawson
- Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, ON M2H 3J1, Canada; (G.E.L.); (V.W.)
| | - Paul S. Nolet
- Department of Graduate Education and Research, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | | | - Anit Bhattacharyya
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2 W1, Canada;
| | - Vivian Wang
- Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, ON M2H 3J1, Canada; (G.E.L.); (V.W.)
| | - C. Adam Lawson
- Shibley Righton LLP, Toronto, ON M5H 3E5, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-312-7986
| | - Gordon D. Ko
- Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada;
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17
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De Andrés Ares J, Gilsanz F. Randomized Pragmatic Pilot Trial Comparing Perpendicular Thin Electrode Versus Parallel Thick Electrode Approaches for Lumbar Medial Branch Neurotomy in Facetogenic Low Back Pain. Pain Pract 2020; 20:889-907. [DOI: 10.1111/papr.12928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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18
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Cohen SP, Bhaskar A, Bhatia A, Buvanendran A, Deer T, Garg S, Hooten WM, Hurley RW, Kennedy DJ, McLean BC, Moon JY, Narouze S, Pangarkar S, Provenzano DA, Rauck R, Sitzman BT, Smuck M, van Zundert J, Vorenkamp K, Wallace MS, Zhao Z. Consensus practice guidelines on interventions for lumbar facet joint pain from a multispecialty, international working group. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2020; 45:424-467. [PMID: 32245841 PMCID: PMC7362874 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2019-101243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The past two decades have witnessed a surge in the use of lumbar facet blocks and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat low back pain (LBP), yet nearly all aspects of the procedures remain controversial. METHODS After approval by the Board of Directors of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, letters were sent to a dozen pain societies, as well as representatives from the US Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense. A steering committee was convened to select preliminary questions, which were revised by the full committee. Questions were assigned to 4-5 person modules, who worked with the Subcommittee Lead and Committee Chair on preliminary versions, which were sent to the full committee. We used a modified Delphi method, whereby the questions were sent to the committee en bloc and comments were returned in a non-blinded fashion to the Chair, who incorporated the comments and sent out revised versions until consensus was reached. RESULTS 17 questions were selected for guideline development, with 100% consensus achieved by committee members on all topics. All societies except for one approved every recommendation, with one society dissenting on two questions (number of blocks and cut-off for a positive block before RFA), but approving the document. Specific questions that were addressed included the value of history and physical examination in selecting patients for blocks, the value of imaging in patient selection, whether conservative treatment should be used before injections, whether imaging is necessary for block performance, the diagnostic and prognostic value of medial branch blocks (MBB) and intra-articular (IA) injections, the effects of sedation and injectate volume on validity, whether facet blocks have therapeutic value, what the ideal cut-off value is for a prognostic block, how many blocks should be performed before RFA, how electrodes should be oriented, the evidence for larger lesions, whether stimulation should be used before RFA, ways to mitigate complications, if different standards should be applied to clinical practice and clinical trials and the evidence for repeating RFA (see table 12 for summary). CONCLUSIONS Lumbar medial branch RFA may provide benefit to well-selected individuals, with MBB being more predictive than IA injections. More stringent selection criteria are likely to improve denervation outcomes, but at the expense of more false-negatives. Clinical trials should be tailored based on objectives, and selection criteria for some may be more stringent than what is ideal in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P Cohen
- Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine Division, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Arun Bhaskar
- Anesthesiology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust Haemodialysis Clinic Hayes Satellite Unit, Hayes, UK
| | - Anuj Bhatia
- Anesthesia and Pain Management, University of Toronto and University Health Network-Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Tim Deer
- Spine & Nerve Centers, Charleston, West Virginia, USA
| | - Shuchita Garg
- Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Robert W Hurley
- Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - David J Kennedy
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brian C McLean
- Anesthesiology, Tripler Army Medical Center, Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii, USA
| | - Jee Youn Moon
- Dept of Anesthesiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, The Republic of Korea
| | - Samer Narouze
- Center for Pain Medicine, Summa Western Reserve Hospital, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA
| | - Sanjog Pangarkar
- Dept of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Richard Rauck
- Carolinas Pain Institute, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Matthew Smuck
- Dept.of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jan van Zundert
- Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Lanaken, Belgium
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mark S Wallace
- Anesthesiology, UCSD Medical Center-Thornton Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Zirong Zhao
- Neurology, VA Healthcare Center District of Columbia, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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19
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Yolcu YU, Lehman VT, Bhatti AUR, Goyal A, Alvi MA, Bydon M. Use of Hybrid Imaging Techniques in Diagnosis of Facet Joint Arthropathy: A Narrative Review of Three Modalities. World Neurosurg 2019; 134:201-210. [PMID: 31655232 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.10.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Facet joint osteoarthritis/arthropathy of the spine is a common cause of back and neck pain that frequently overlaps clinically with other diseases of the spine. Because of the possible overlap, it is crucial to have an accurate diagnostic strategy, especially when determining the management approach. Various strategies have been suggested and adopted, with several these still being used in clinics. Over the years, because of the disadvantages of single-modality imaging methods (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography), the interest in radiologic examination started to move toward hybrid imaging techniques. Although the data are mixed, many initial studies have shown promise. However, there are relatively few data with comparative medial branch blocks, and further investigation is needed. Given the advantages and disadvantages of these new techniques, the imaging results have to be interpreted within clinical context and with consideration of the current state of knowledge in the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagiz Ugur Yolcu
- Mayo Clinic Neuro-Informatics Laboratory, Department of Neurologic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Vance T Lehman
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Atiq Ur Rehman Bhatti
- Mayo Clinic Neuro-Informatics Laboratory, Department of Neurologic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anshit Goyal
- Mayo Clinic Neuro-Informatics Laboratory, Department of Neurologic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mohammed Ali Alvi
- Mayo Clinic Neuro-Informatics Laboratory, Department of Neurologic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mohamad Bydon
- Mayo Clinic Neuro-Informatics Laboratory, Department of Neurologic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
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20
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Conger A, Burnham T, Speckman RA, Randall D, Reisinger R, Tate Q, Spiker R, Schneider B, Cushman DM, McCormick ZL. The Accuracy of SPECT/CT for Diagnosing Lumbar Zygapophyseal Joint Pain: a Systematic Review. CURRENT PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40141-019-00237-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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21
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de Andrés Ares J, Gilsanz F. Diagnostic nerve blocks in the management of low back pain secondary to facet joint syndrome. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ANESTESIOLOGIA Y REANIMACION 2019; 66:213-221. [PMID: 30683428 DOI: 10.1016/j.redar.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Low back pain is currently one of the main public health problems. Among the multiple causes, pain in the zygapophysial joints, also called facets or posterior vertebral joints, are an important cause, usually secondary to osteoarthritis. The source of low back pain is often difficult to find, making the therapeutic approach to the patient sub-optimal. Diagnostic blocks are a very important tool in establishing an adequate treatment for patients with low back pain, as long as they are performed accurately, with an adequate local anaesthetic volume, with a suitable image and fluoroscopic projection and its result are precisely interpreted. In this article a review is presented on the importance of diagnostic blocks, as well as how they should be performed in order to obtain the maximum information and the greatest therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- J de Andrés Ares
- Servicio de Anestesiología-Unidad del Dolor, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, España.
| | - F Gilsanz
- Servicio de Anestesiología-Unidad del Dolor, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, España
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22
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Kendall MC, Alves LJC, Suh EI, McCormick ZL, De Oliveira GS. Regional anesthesia to ameliorate postoperative analgesia outcomes in pediatric surgical patients: an updated systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Local Reg Anesth 2018; 11:91-109. [PMID: 30532585 PMCID: PMC6244583 DOI: 10.2147/lra.s185554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Regional anesthesia is becoming increasingly popular among anesthesiologists in the management of postoperative analgesia following pediatric surgery. The main objective of this review was to systematically evaluate the last 5 years of randomized controlled trials on the role of regional anesthesia techniques in alleviating postoperative pain associated with various pediatric surgical procedures. Forty studies on 2,408 pediatric patients were evaluated. The majority of the articles published from 2013 to 2017 reported that the use of regional anesthesia minimized postoperative pain and reduced opioid consumption. Only a few surgical procedures (cholecystectomy, inguinal hernia repair, and non-laparoscopic major abdominal surgery) reported no significant difference in the postoperative pain relief compared with the standard anesthetic management. The growing number of randomized controlled trials in the pediatric literature is very promising; however, additional confirmation is needed to reinforce the use of specific regional anesthesia techniques to provide optimal postoperative pain relief for a few surgical procedures (reconstructive ear surgery, chest wall deformity, hypospadias, umbilical hernia, cleft palate repair) in pediatric patients. More randomized controlled trials are needed to establish regional anesthesia as an essential component of postoperative analgesia management in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C Kendall
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA,
| | | | - Edward I Suh
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA,
| | - Zachary L McCormick
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Gildasio S De Oliveira
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA,
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Gómez Vega JC, Acevedo-González JC. Clinical diagnosis scale for pain lumbar of facet origin: systematic review of literature and pilot study. Neurocirugia (Astur) 2018; 30:133-143. [PMID: 29910103 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucir.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lumbar pain affects between 60-90% of people. It is a frequent cause of disability in adults. Pain may be generated by different anatomical structures such as the facet joint. However, nowadays pain produced by the facet joint has no clinical diagnosis. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to propose a clinical diagnostic scale for lumbar facet syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted by means of 6 phases as follows, Phase 1, a systematic review of the literature was performed regarding the clinical diagnosis of facet-based lumbar pain based on the PRISMA checklist; Phase 2, a list of signs and symptoms proposed for diagnosis lumbar pain of facet origin was made. Phase 3, the list of signs and symptoms found was submitted to a committee of experts to discriminate the most significant signs and symptoms, these were linked to general sociodemographic variables to develop an evaluation questionnaire; Phase 4, the evaluation questionnaire was applied, including those selected signs and symptoms to a group of patients with clinical diagnosis of facet disease lumbar pain and who underwent a selective facet block. Phase 5, under standard technique selective facet block and subsequent postoperative clinical control at 1 month. Phase 6, given pre and postsurgical results associated with signs present in the patients we propose a clinical scale of diagnosis scale. Descriptive statistics and Stata 12.0 were used as statistical software. RESULTS A total of 36 signs and symptoms were found for the diagnosis of lumbar facet syndrome that were submitted to the group of experts, where a total of 12 (8 symptoms and 4 signs) were included for the final survey. 31 patients underwent selective lumbar facet blockade, mostly women, with an average of 60±11.5 years, analogous visual scale of preoperative pain of 8/10, postoperative of 1.7/10, the signs and symptoms most frequently found included in a diagnostic scale were: 3 symptoms 1) axial or bilateral axial lumbar pain, 2) improvement with rest, 3) absence of root pattern, may have pseudoradicular pattern, however, the pain is greater lumbar than pain in the leg and 3 clinical signs 1) Kemp sign, 2) pain induced in joint or transverse process, 3) facet stress sign or Acevedo sign. CONCLUSION The clinical diagnosis of lumbar facet pain is still debated. Few diagnostic scales have been postulated, with little or no external validity, so the present study proposes a diagnostic scale consisting of 3 symptoms and 3 clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Gómez Vega
- Departamento de Neurociencias, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Juan Carlos Acevedo-González
- Departamento de Neurociencias, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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Van de Kelft E, Verleye G, Van de Kelft AS, Melis K, Van Goethem J. Validation of topographic hybrid single-photon emission computerized tomography with computerized tomography scan in patients with and without nonspecific chronic low back pain. A prospective comparative study. Spine J 2017; 17:1457-1463. [PMID: 28495243 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT The evidence for the treatment for nonspecific chronic low back pain (ns CLBP) is very weak. Besides the complexity of the pain experience, a good biological marker or tool enabling identification of a pain generator is lacking. Hybrid imaging, combining single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) with computerized tomography (CT) scan, has been proposed as useful in the diagnostic workup of patients with CLBP. PURPOSE To evaluate the sensitivity of SPECT-CT in patients with ns CLBP (Group I) as compared with patients without CLBP (Group II). STUDY DESIGN A prospective comparative study. PATIENT SAMPLE Two hundred patients were enrolled: 96 in Group I and 104 in Group II. OUTCOME MEASURES Only the physiological measurement of the incidence of hot spots was performed. The hot spots were rated as follows: 0=normal; 1=slightly colored (no hot spot on whole-body bone scan); and 2=clear hot spot (can be identified on the whole-body bone scan and confirmed on SPECT). To analyze the interobserver agreement when using this scoring system, a second independent reading was performed for 50 randomly chosen records. METHODS Two hundred patients divided into two groups were referred to the department of Medical and Molecular Imaging for a topographic SPECT-CT. The first group consisted of patients with ns CLBP, diagnosed by a neurosurgeon. The control group consisted of patients referred for SPECT-CT for non-spinal conditions. Hot spots were assessed for all patients. A second independent reading, blinded for the results of the first reader, was performed on 25 randomly selected patients in each group. This study was investigator initiated, and no funding was received. None of the authors or their proxies have a potential conflict of interest. RESULTS The odds of finding a normal image in the control group are 2.05 times higher than in Group I. The sensitivity score equals 2.37, meaning that the probability of detecting a hot spot (levels 1 or 2) is more than two times higher in Group I. When focusing on level 2 hot spots only, this score rises to 7.02, indicative of a high sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS Single-photon emission computerized tomography with computerized tomography might have potential in the diagnostic workup of patients with ns CLBP, owing to its higher sensitivity when compared with other advanced medical imaging modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Van de Kelft
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital Nikolaas, Moerlandstraat, 1, 9100 Sint-Niklaas, Belgium.
| | - Gino Verleye
- Department of Social Sciences, University Ghent, De Pintelaan, 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Koen Melis
- Department of Medical and Molecular Imaging, Section of Nuclear Medicine, General Hospital Nikolaas, Moerlandstraat, 1, 9100 Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
| | - Johan Van Goethem
- Department of Medical Imaging, General Hospital Nikolaas, Moerlandstraat, 1, 9100 Sint-Niklaas, Belgium; Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat, 10, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
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Rivers WE, Rimmalapudi V, Heit JJ. Progress in Advanced Imaging Techniques for the Lumbar Spine. CURRENT PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40141-016-0114-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Sae-Jung S, Jirarattanaphochai K. Outcomes of lumbar facet syndrome treated with oral diclofenac or methylprednisolone facet injection: a randomized trial. INTERNATIONAL ORTHOPAEDICS 2016; 40:1091-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00264-016-3154-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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