Efficacy of diclofenac sodium in pain relief after conventional radiofrequency denervation for chronic facet joint pain: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES

Many patients experience pain for a short duration after conventional radiofrequency (CRF) denervation for lumbar facet pain. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and cost of administering diclofenac sodium for the relief of pain after CRF denervation.

METHODS

After denervation, 66 patients were randomly allocated into three groups to receive either placebo for 7 days (group A), diclofenac sodium for 3 days (group B), or diclofenac sodium for 7 days (Group C). The patients' pain visual analgesia score (VAS) and side effect were recorded at baseline 1, 7, 14, 30, and 60 days after treatment. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Patients' Satisfaction Score (PSS), and dosage and cost of the drugs used for pain management were recorded at baseline, 30 and 60 days after treatment.

RESULTS

VAS in groups B and C both was less than that in group A at 1 and 7 days after treatment (P<0.05 and 0.01, respectively). PSS in groups B and C was significantly better than in group A at 30 and 60 days after treatment (P<0.05). The rate of side effects was similar among the three groups at all times (P>0.05). The cost of analgesic administration in group B was significantly less than in groups A and C (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Diclofenac sodium administration improves analgesia and the PSS after CRF denervation. Compared to a 7-day dosage, a 3-day diclofenac sodium therapy has similar efficacy and less cost for the treatment of pain after CRF neurotomy.