Fluoroscopy-guided infiltration for pain reduction in patients with Baastrup's disease: clinical experience and results.

OBJECTIVE: Baastrup disease refers to degenerative changes of adjacent spinous processes with resultant back pain. The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous, fluoroscopy-guided infiltrations in a consecutive series of patients suffering from Baastrup disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2009 until December 2013, 55 patients suffering from Baastrup disease (diagnosed clinically and by imaging findings) underwent percutaneous, fluoroscopy-guided infiltration. The position of the needle (22-gauge spinal needle) was fluoroscopically verified at the level of interspinous ligament. Then a mixture of long-acting corticosteroid with local anesthetic (1.5/1 cc) was injected. A questionnaire with NVS scale helped in assessing pain relief degree, life quality, and mobility improvement.

RESULTS: In the patients of our study, a total of 67 sessions was performed. In 12/55 patients (22%), a second infiltration was performed within 7-10 days apart from the first one. The end point was 1 year post-treatment. Patients were followed 1 week after the first injection for a subsequent treatment and then if asymptomatic re-controlled in 3-6 and 12 months. Comparing the pain scores prior (mean value, 8.18 ± 1.44 NVS units) and after (mean value, 0.62 ± 0.93 NVS units) there was a mean decrease of 7.56 ± 1.68 NVS units (p < 0.001) on terms of pain reduction, effect upon mobility and life quality. There were no clinically significant complications noted in our study.

CONCLUSIONS: Fluoroscopy-guided infiltrations seem to be a feasible, efficacious, and safe approach for pain reduction and mobility improvement in patients with Baastrup disease.