Intra-articular pulsed radiofrequency with methyl prednisolone injection in chronic sacroiliac joint arthritis: A randomized clinical trial

Background Sacroiliac joint pain (SIJP) is an important cause of low back pain and seriously affects the patients' quality of life. Therefore, it is urgent to find effective treatment methods. The goal of our research was to assess the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation combined with steroid injection versus steroid injection alone in the treatment of chronic sacroiliac joint arthritis (SIJ) pain. Methods Sixty patients with chronic SIJ pain were divided into two groups randomly: Group RF (n = 30) received intraarticular RF + methylprednisolone, while Group C (n = 30) received intraarticular methylprednisolone alone. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Patient Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC) were followed up at each observation time (before the intervention, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months). Results The NRS and ODI reduced following treatment compared to pretreatment values; however, the PGIC increased in both groups. The NRS in the RF group reduced significantly than in the control group after treatment at nearly all time intervals after the third month with p = 0.015*, 0.004*, 0.049*, and 0.025*, respectively. After the first month, the difference in PGIC score between the two groups becomes statistically significant at nearly all time intervals with p < 0.05. At nearly all time intervals, the RF group had higher PGIC scores. Conclusion PRF ablation with methylprednisolone injection is a safe and efficient treatment for sacroiliac pain. It has the potential to considerably reduce sacroiliac pain, lower ODI, raise PGIG, and improve physical and mental quality of life.