Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review of Sham-Controlled Randomized Controlled Trials

Based on a limited number of randomized controlled trials, RFA does not consistently demonstrate superiority over sham treatment for discogenic or facet joint-related chronic low back pain. For sacroiliac joint pain, selected RFA techniques may offer benefit in appropriately selected patients; however, conclusions remain constrained by heterogeneity and small sample sizes. Further high-quality, sham-controlled trials are required before definitive clinical recommendations can be made.