The effect of additional facet joint block for analgesia in patients with thoracolumbar compression fracture undergoing percutaneous kyphoplasty surgery: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: There is currently no pooled data in the literature to support whether additional facet joint block results in better clinical analgesia after percutaneous kyphoplasty. We assessed the existing evidence on the safety and efficacy of facet joint block in the treatment of patients with thoracolumbar compression fractures undergoing percutaneous kyphoplasty based on qualified trials. METHODS: We will search PubMed, Springer, ScienceDirect, Wanfang, and Cochrane Library databases through April, 2022. Cohort studies focusing on assessing and comparing the effect of facet joint block and control group will be included. The studies are screened and evaluated by 2 reviewers independently for eligibility. The following outcome measures must be showed: pain scores, Oswestry Disability Index, satisfaction, and complications observed within both groups from baseline to the end of follow-up period. Review Manager software (v 5.3; Cochrane Collaboration) is used for the meta-analysis. A P value of <.05 is considered to be statistically significant. Two independent reviewers will assess the risk of bias of the included studies at study level. RESULTS: It is hypothesized that additional facet joint block is associated with better pain control. CONCLUSIONS: This study expects to provide credible and scientific evidence for the efficacy and safety of facet joint block in the treatment of patients with thoracolumbar compression fractures undergoing percutaneous kyphoplasty. REGISTRATION NUMBER: 10.17605/OSF.IO/ARY3C.