Radiofrequency in Sacroiliac Arthropathy;Bipolar RF 6 Points Versus Monopolar RF at 6 and 3 Points

A Prospective, single center, double blind, controlled randomized trial.

Sample Size:

Total of 60 patients divided into three groups:

Group 1: 20 patients will be receiving bipolar RF at six points. Group 2: 20 patients will be receiving monopolar RF at six points. Group 3: 20 patients will be receiving monopolar RF at three points.

Sampling technique:

Patients will be randomly divided in three groups. There will be a box with 60 closed envelopes, divided randomly in to three groups with 20 envelops in each group. On arrival to theatre one of the envelops will be opened and the assigned method will be applied.

Timeframe of the study:

6-12 months

Procedure:

After fulfilling inclusion criteria and apart from the exclusion criteria, patients will do either one of the three procedures according to the randomization. All patients will do the procedure under fluoroscopic guidance with use of Cosman RF generator G4TM, 20 gauge straight sharp cannula, 10 cm shaft, 10 mm tip and 10 cm electrodes (Cosman autoclavable CSK-TC10).

Group 1 ; Six RF needles will be put between the SIJ and the lateral aspects of the ipsilateral dorsal sacral foramina. After sensory and motor stimulation, bipolar lesion RF at 80oc for 90 sec will be applied between each successive pairs of needles.

Group 2; RF needle is inserted at six levels in the area between the SIJ and the lateral aspects of the ipsilateral dorsal sacral foramina. after sensory and motor stimulation, monopolar lesion RF at 80oc for 90 sec will be applied.

Group 3; RF needle is inserted at six levels in the upper , middle and lower part of the area between the SIJ and the lateral aspects of the ipsilateral dorsal sacral foramina. after sensory and motor stimulation, monopolar lesion RF at 80oc for 90 sec will be applied.

Patients will be evaluated by a specialized pain nurse after 2 weeks, one month, 3 months and 6 months for pain score using the visual analogue pain scale.

Overall patient satisfaction with pain relief will be evaluated.

Inclusion criteria

• • Moderate to severe low back pain for more than six months with positive Patrick's and Yeoman's tests with tenderness over the SI joint.

• Pain is not responding to the usual medical treatment.
• More than 50 % pain relief after diagnostic injection with local anesthetic.

Exclusion criteria

• • Patient refusal to do the procedure or to share in the study

• Focal Neurologic Signs.
• significant anticoagulation e.g. clopedogril (low dose aspirin will be excluded)
• Pregnancy, breast feeding or planning on becoming pregnant during the trial.
• Infection at the intended injection site.