Effectiveness of thermal radiofrequency ablation versus corticosteroid injections for pain reduction in facet-mediated chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Publication/Presentation Date

8-1-2026

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Facet joint syndrome (FJS) is a prevalent cause of chronic low back pain (CLBP), resulting in reduced quality of life. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and corticosteroid injections are commonly utilized; however, direct comparative evidence specific to lumbar FJS remains limited.

METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus (from inception to November 2025) was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating thermal RFA versus corticosteroid injections. The primary outcome measured was the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 3- and 6-months. Review Manager 5.4 was used to evaluate mean differences (MD) across outcomes using a random-effects model.

RESULT: Three RCTs with a total of 146 patients were included. Pooled analysis demonstrated significantly greater pain reduction with RFA at both 3-months (MD = -1.27; 95% CI, -1.96 to -0.58;

CONCLUSION: In our study, thermal RFA provided greater pain reduction than corticosteroid injections for FJS causing CLBP, suggesting a modest short-term advantage in pain reduction.

Volume

16

Issue

8

First Page

921

Last Page

928

ISSN

1758-1877

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

42148721

Department(s)

Medical Education

Document Type

Article

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS