The Effectiveness of Intraosseous Basivertebral Nerve Radiofrequency Neurotomy for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain in Patients with Modic Changes: A Systematic Review

Objective: Determine the effectiveness of intraosseous basivertebral nerve radiofrequency neurotomy for the treatment of chronic low back pain with type 1 or 2 Modic changes.

Design: Systematic review.

Population: Persons aged ≥18 years with chronic low back pain with type 1 or 2 Modic changes.

Intervention: Intraosseous basivertebral nerve radiofrequency neurotomy.

Comparison: Sham, placebo procedure, active standard care treatment, or none.

Outcomes: The primary outcome of interest was the proportion of individuals with ≥50% pain reduction. Secondary outcomes included ≥10-point improvement in function as measured by Oswestry Disability Index as well as ≥2-point reduction in pain score on the Visual Analog Scale or Numeric Rating Scale, and decreased use of pain medication.

Methods: Three reviewers independently assessed publications before May 15, 2020, in MEDLINE and Embase and the quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework.

Results: Of the 725 publications screened, seven publications with 321 participants were ultimately included. The reported 3-month success rate for ≥50% pain reduction ranged from 45% to 63%. Rates of functional improvement (≥10-point Oswestry Disability Index improvement threshold) ranged from 75% to 93%. For comparison to sham treatment, the relative risk of treatment success defined by ≥50% pain reduction and ≥10-point Oswestry Disability Index improvement was 1.25 (95% confidence interval [CI]: .88-1.77) and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.10-1.73), respectively. For comparison to continued standard care treatment the relative risk of treatment success defined by ≥50% pain reduction and ≥10-point Oswestry Disability Index improvement was 4.16 (95% CI: 2.12-8.14) and 2.32 (95% CI: 1.52-3.55), respectively.

Conclusions: There is moderate-quality evidence that suggests this procedure is effective in reducing pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain who are selected based on type 1 or 2 Modic changes, among other inclusion and exclusion criteria used in the published literature to date. Success of the procedure appears to be dependent on effective targeting of the BVN. Non-industry funded high-quality, large prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.