The effect of cryoablation on functioning and gait in patients with low back pain
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1
Chair and Department of Developmental Neurology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poland
2
Department of Neurosurgery, S.T. Dąbrowski Hospital in Puszczykowo, Poland
3
Department of Rehabilitation, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
Submission date: 2021-05-18
Final revision date: 2021-08-17
Acceptance date: 2021-08-17
Publication date: 2025-11-26
Corresponding author
Małgorzata Eliks
Chair and Department of Developmental Neurology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poland
Issue Rehabil. Orthop. Neurophysiol. Sport Promot. 2021;36
KEYWORDS
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ABSTRACT
Introduction
Low back pain and comorbid afflictions influence negatively on the quality of life, postural control and gait. Facet joint syndrome is one of the causes of low back pain. Cryoablation is a minimal invasive percutaneuous technique for zygapophysial joint syndrome.
Aim
The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the cryoablation in patients with chronic low back pain on pain, disability and spatiotemporal gait parameters in the course of facet joint syndrome.
Material and Methods
The study included 19 patients (13 women, 7 men) with chronic low back and facet arthropathic changes in MRI, and with failure in conservative treatment. The evaluation was performed before and with one-month follow-up after cryoablation and included pain assessment (Numeric Rating Scale), the evaluation of functional state and disability (Revised Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire) and an analysis of spatiotemporal gait parameters (treadmill).
Results
A significant improvement in pain, functioning and spatiotemporal gait parameters such as distance and the number of steps were found.
Conclusions
Cryoablation is an effective method for pain reduction in facet joint syndrome, which improves functioning and gait. Cryoanalgesia is a safe procedure for the treatment of low back pain related to facet joint syndrome if earlier conservative management failed.