Ultrasound-guided Sacroiliac Joint Radiofrequency Ablation: A Pilot Study (NCT02335190) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Ultrasound-guided Sacroiliac Joint Radiofrequency Ablation: A Pilot Study
Canada31 participantsStarted 2015-09
Plain-language summary
The sacroiliac (SI) joint is a common source of low back pain. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be used to treat low back pain from the SI joint , and is often recommended by physicians to provide long lasting pain relief. However, the use of RFA for SI joint pain has not been as successful as RFA for pain in other areas of the back and neck. X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) is currently used to perform this procedure. Under fluoroscopy, however, it can be difficult for physicians to identify necessary landmarks, and there are risks to the patient because of radiation exposure. In contrast, ultrasound may provide better image guidance than fluoroscopy, and there is no radiation risk. The purpose of this study is to examine if ultrasound guided SI joint RFA is effective.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* 18 years of age or older
* Clinical presentation compatible with SI joint origin pain (back pain below L5; localized to the SI joint area; \>2 positive of 5 SI joint provocative tests).
* \>50% index pain relief with at least one SIJ intra-articular local anesthetic block and at least one SIJ lateral branch block using the conventional fluoroscopically guided lateral branch block technique. Pain diary records for these interventions need to be on file.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Under 18 years of age
* Presence of clinical and investigative evidence of inflammatory spondyloarthropathy, fibromyalgia, radiculopathy, symptomatic spinal stenosis, facetogenic or discogenic low back pain, generalized infection, localized infection in the area of the low back/SIJs, coagulopathy or anticoagulation, allergy to local anesthetic
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.