Pulsed radiofrequency adjacent to the cervical dorsal root ganglion in chronic cervical radicular pain: A double blind sham controlled randomized clinical trial

Pain ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 127 (1) ◽  
pp. 173-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Van Zundert ◽  
Jacob Patijn ◽  
Alfons Kessels ◽  
Inge Lamé ◽  
Hans van Suijlekom ◽  
...  
2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (21;1) ◽  
pp. E97-E103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Cheol Chang

Background: Patients with lumbosacral radicular pain may complain of persisting pain after monopolar pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment. Objective: We evaluated the effect of bipolar PRF stimulation of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in patients with chronic lumbosacral radicular pain who were unresponsive to both monopolar PRF stimulation of the DRG and transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI). Study Design: This is a prospective observational study. Setting: The outpatient clinic of a single academic medical center in Korea. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from 102 patients who had received monopolar PRF to the DRG for management of lumbosacral radiculopathy. Of these, 32 patients had persistent radicular pain that was scored at least 5 on a numeric rating scale (NRS). Twenty-three of them were included in this study and underwent bipolar PRF of the DRG. The outcomes after the procedure were evaluated using the NRS for radicular pain before treatment and 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment. Successful pain relief was defined as ≥ 50% reduction in the NRS score compared with the score prior to treatment. Furthermore, at 3 months after treatment, patient satisfaction levels were examined. Patients reporting very good (score = 7) or good results (score = 6) were considered to be satisfied with the procedure. Results: The NRS scores changed significantly over time. At 1, 2, and 3 months after bipolar PRF, the NRS scores were significantly reduced compared with the scores before the treatment. Twelve (52.2%) of the 23 patients reported successful pain relief and were satisfied with treatment results 3 months after bipolar PRF. No serious adverse effects were recorded. Limitations: A small number of patients were recruited and we did not perform long-term follow-up. Conclusion: We believe the use of bipolar PRF of the DRG can be an effective and safe interventional technique for chronic refractory lumbosacral radiculopathy. It appears to be a potential option that can be tried before proceeding to spinal surgery. Key words: Bipolar, pulsed radiofrequency, lumbosacral radicular pain, chronic pain, dorsal root ganglion, spinal stenosis, herniated disc


2008 ◽  
Vol 2;11 (3;2) ◽  
pp. 137-144
Author(s):  
Thomas T. Simopoulos

Objectives: We aimed to prospectively evaluate the response and safety of pulsed and continuous radiofrequecy lesioning of the dorsal root ganglion/segmental nerves in patients with chronic lumbosacral radicular pain. Methods: Seventy-six patients with chronic lumbosacral radicular pain refractory to conventional therapy met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to one of 2 types of treatment, pulsed radiofrequency lesioning of the dorsal root ganglion/segmental nerve or pulsed radiofrequency followed immediately by continuous radiofrequency. Patients were carefully evaluated for neurologic deficits and side effects. The response was evaluated at 2 months and was then tracked monthly. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to illustrate the probability of success over time and a Box-Whisker analysis was applied to determine the mean duration of a successful analgesic effect. Results: Two months after undergoing radiofrequency treatment, 70% of the patients treated with pulsed radiofrequency and 82% treated with pulsed and continuous radiofrequency had a successful reduction in pain intensity. The average duration of successful analgesic response was 3.18 months (± 2.81) in the group treated with pulsed radiofrequency and 4.39 months (±3.50) in those patients treated with pulsed and continuous radiofrequency lesioning. A Kaplan-Meier analysis illustrated that in both treatment groups the chance of success approached 50% in each group at 3 months. The vast majority of patients had lost any beneficial effects by 8 months. There was no statistical difference between the 2 treatment groups. No side effects or neurological deficits were found in either group. Conclusion: Pulsed mode radiofrequency of the dorsal root ganglion of segmental nerves appears to be a safe treatment for chronic lumbosacral radicular pain. A significant number of patients can derive at least a short-term benefit. The addition of heat via continuous radiofrequency does not offer a significant advantage. A randomized controlled trial is now required to determine the effectiveness of pulsed radiofrequency. Key words: Pulsed radiofrequency lesioning, dorsal root ganglion, segmental nerve, continuous radiofrequency lesioning, chronic lumbosacral radicular pain


Author(s):  
Shaaban Omar ◽  
Sherif El-Sayed Hegab ◽  
Mohamed Ihab Samy Reda ◽  
Sahar Ahmed El-Karadawy ◽  
Mowaffak Moustafa Saad ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Ultrasound-guided lumbar pain interventions were thought to be difficult; the high acoustic impedance of bone hides the underling structures and needle path. Reviewing the sonoanatomy of the lumbar region using different planes and angles made better sonographic guidance for spine injections. The aim of this prospective study is to assess the accuracy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided lumbar trans-foraminal pulsed radiofrequency of the dorsal root ganglion confirmed by fluoroscopic imaging in management of chronic radicular pain. Results Thirty-two patients, with 34 lumbar interventions, were included in the study. Thirty-one interventions out of 34 were performed successfully with overall accuracy of 91.18% and with minimal complications. The successful first trial placement of the cannula was calculated in 44.1% of interventions; multiple trials were needed in 47.1% while incorrect level was encountered in 8.8%. Visual analogue scale of pain and Oswestry Disability Index decreased significantly after intervention up to 3 months compared to the pre-intervention value. The analgesic consumption was reduced by mean of 73.44 ± 31.07% 1 month after intervention. Conclusions US-guided fluoroscopic-verified trans-foraminal PR of lumbar DRG is accurate, safe, and effective for CRP.


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