1. Copyright © 2012 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized commercial reproduction of this slide is prohibited Supplemental PowerPoint Slides Radiofrequency Denervation for Facet Joint Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review 1Poetscher, Arthur Werner* - MD, Msc 1Gentil, Andre Felix - MD, PhD 1Lenza, Mario - MD, PhD 1Ferretti, Mario - MD, PhD Author affiliation: 1Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, Brazil

2. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess treatment effects (benefits and harms) of radiofrenquency denervation for patients with facet joint related chronic low back pain. Primary outcomes were pain, functional status, and quality of life. Secondary outcomes were cost-effectiveness and complications. Fifteen studies were selected and nine were eligible. Overall quality of evidence was rated low to moderate. The evidence favored FJRD regarding pain control. There was no sufficient evidence for cost- effectiveness and complications. The available evidence reviewed in this study should be interpreted with caution. The data indicates that FJDR is more effective than placebo in pain control and functional improvement, and is also possibly more effective than steroid injections in pain control.

3. Risk of bias assessment