THE EFFECT OF CRYOABLATION ON FUNCTIONING AND GAIT IN PATIENTS WITH LOW BACK PAIN
Introduction Low back pain and comorbid afflictions negatively influence the quality of life, postural control and gait. Facet joint syndrome is one of the causes of low back pain. Cryoablation is a minimal invasive percutaneuous technique for zygapophysial joint syndrome. Aim The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the cryoablation in patients with chronic low back pain on pain, disability and spatiotemporal gait parameters in the course of facet joint syndrome. Material and methods The study included 19 patients (13 women, 7 men) with chronic low back and facet arthropathic changes in MRI, and with failure in conservative treatment. The evaluation was performed before and with one-month follow-up after cryoablation and included pain assessment (Numeric Rating Scale), the evaluation of functional state and disability (Revised Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire) and analysis of spatiotemporal gait parameters (treadmill). Results A significant improvement in pain, functioning and spatiotemporal gait parameters such as distance and the number of steps were found. Conclusions Cryoablation is an effective method for pain reduction in facet joint syndrome, which improves functioning and gait. Cryoanalgesia is a safe procedure for the treatment of low back pain related to facet joint syndrome if earlier conservative management failed. Keywords: cryoablation, low back pain, functional assessment, gait