Comparison 1. Facet joint: radiofrequency denervation versus placebo, pain intensity (VAS 0 to 10).

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
1 VAS 1 month	3		Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	Subtotals only
1.1 Main analysis	3	160	Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	‐1.47 [‐2.28, ‐0.67]
1.2 Sensitivity analysis	3	140	Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	‐1.51 [‐2.79, ‐0.23]
2 VAS 1 to 6 months	3	182	Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	‐0.71 [‐2.25, 0.84]
3 VAS > 6 months	3		Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	Subtotals only
3.1 Main analysis	3	130	Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	‐0.70 [‐1.48, 0.08]
3.2 Sensitivity analysis	3	110	Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	‐1.06 [‐2.23, 0.11]