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Fluoroscopically-guided Versus Landmark-guided Sacroiliac Joint Injections

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Registration Number
NCT02096653
Lead Sponsor
Johns Hopkins University
Brief Summary

In this study, the investigators are attempting to determine whether intra- or extra-articular injections are more effective; the relative prevalence rate of intra-articular and extra-articular SI joint pain; and the accuracy of extra-articular injections using fluoroscopy as the reference standard. 124 consecutive patients with mechanical low back pain below L5, tenderness overlying the SI joint(s) and at least 3 positive provocative maneuvers will be randomized to receive SI joint injections by 2 different approaches.

Group 1 will receive fluoroscopically-guided injections into the joint. Group 2 will receive landmark-guided injections into the tender area around the joint. In order to determine whether the injection in group 2 was intra-articular or extra-articular, an x-ray will be done after the injection to ascertain the location of contrast spread. The primary outcome measure will be pain relief at 1-month. Patients who obtain benefit at 1-month will be followed at 3-months, while those who fail to obtain benefit will exit the study to receive alternative care.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
125
Inclusion Criteria
  1. Age > 18;
  2. Low back pain principally below the L5 vertebra;
  3. Three out of 6 positive SI joint provocative maneuvers;
  4. Agreed to undergo SI joint injection for diagnostic/ therapeutic purposes;
  5. Average pain score > 3/10 over the past week;
  6. Pain duration > 6 weeks;
Exclusion Criteria
  1. Previous SI joint injection;
  2. Leg pain > back pain or lower leg pain > upper leg pain
  3. Active inflammatory spondyloarthropathy (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis);
  4. Untreated coagulopathy;
  5. Allergy to contrast dye or bupivacaine;
  6. Pain > 20 years in duration;
  7. Poorly controlled psychiatric (e.g. PTSD) or medical (congestive heart failure) condition

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Average Back Pain at 1 Month Measured Using the Numeric Pain Scale1 month from the start of treatment

This outcome measure compares the average back pain at baseline to the average back pain 1 month after the start of treatment. This is measured using the Numeric Pain Scale. The Numeric Pain Scale ranges from 0-10. 0 being no pain at all and 10 being the worst imaginable pain possible. The group receiving fluoroscopically-guided intra-articular injection is compared to the group receiving landmark-guided injections.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Outcomes Related to Disability Measured at 1 Month Using the Oswestry Disability Index1 month after the start of treatment

Functional capacity measured using Oswestry disability index. The range of possible scores for Oswestry Disability Index are 0-100. 0 is equated with no disability and 100 is the maximum disability possible.

Worst Back Pain at 1 Month Measured Using the Numeric Pain Scale1 month from the start of treatment

This outcome measure compares the worst back pain at baseline to the worst back pain at 1 months after the start of treatment. This is measured using the Numeric Pain Scale. The Numeric Pain Scale ranges from 0-10. 0 being no pain at all and 10 being the worst imaginable pain possible. The group receiving fluoroscopically-guided intra-articular injection is compared to the group receiving landmark-guided injections.

Average Back Pain at 3 Months Measured Using the Numeric Pain Scale3 months from the start of treatment

This outcome measure compares the average back pain at baseline to the average back pain at 3 months after the start of treatment. This is measured using the Numeric Pain Scale. The Numeric Pain Scale ranges from 0-10. 0 being no pain at all and 10 being the worst imaginable pain possible. The group receiving fluoroscopically-guided intra-articular injection is compared to the group receiving landmark-guided injections.

Worst Back Pain at 3 Months Measured Using the Numeric Pain Scale3 months after the start of treatment

This outcome measure compares the worst back pain at baseline to the worst back pain at 3 months after the start of treatment. This is measured using the Numeric Pain Scale. The Numeric Pain Scale ranges from 0-10. 0 being no pain at all and 10 being the worst imaginable pain possible. The group receiving fluoroscopically-guided intra-articular injection is compared to the group receiving landmark-guided injections.

Outcomes Related to Disability Measured at 3 Month Using the Oswestry Disability Index3 months after the start of treatment

Functional capacity measured using Oswestry disability index. The range of possible scores for Oswestry Disability Index are 0-100. 0 is equated with no disability and 100 is the maximum disability possible.

Patient satisfaction of the procedure at 1 month measured using the Likert Scale1 month

Patient satisfaction is measured at 1 month after the procedure using the Likert Scale. The range of possible scores for the Likert Scale are 1-5. I being very unsatisfied and 5 being very satisfied.

Patient satisfaction of the procedure at 3 months measured using the Likert Scale3 months

Patient satisfaction is measured at 1 month after the procedure using the Likert Scale. The range of possible scores for the Likert Scale are 1-5. I being very unsatisfied and 5 being very satisfied.

Positive categorical outcome3 months

Decrease in average back pain score at 3 months of greater or equal to 2 points coupled with a satisfaction score \> 3 on a 1-5 scale

Positive diagnostic blocks6 hours

The percentage of participants who experience greater or equal to 50% pain relief based on their pain diary

Trial Locations

Locations (4)

Naval Hospital-San Diego

🇺🇸

San Diego, California, United States

Johns Hopkins Hospital

🇺🇸

Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

🇺🇸

Rockville, Maryland, United States

Penn State

🇺🇸

Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States

Naval Hospital-San Diego
🇺🇸San Diego, California, United States

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