We analysed the effectiveness and safety of Radiofrequency denervation (RFD), a minimally invasive procedure, in adult patients with chronic, facet joint or sacroiliac (SI) joint low back pain and a positive response to diagnostic nerve block.

We included 15 randomised controlled trials. Overall, the level of evidence for the estimated effects is very low to low. RFD for facet joint pain compared to placebo/steroid injections might reduce pain in defined periods of time (max. 12 months). RFD for SI-joint pain might lead to a global improvement up to 3 months. For a number of patient-relevant outcomes no significant changes have been found. Other outcomes have not been tested yet (e.g. effects of SI-RFD > 3 months).

Therefore, we currently recommend against the inclusion of RFD for SI or facet joint pain in the Austrian BMG catalogue of procedures and suggest a re-evaluation in 2019.