Pulsed Radiofrequency of Radicular Pain

Czech version

Authors: T. Gabrhelík ¹; P. Michálek ^2,3; E. Berta ¹; M. Adamus ¹; M. Pieran ¹; L. Doleček ³
Authors‘ workplace: Klinika anesteziologie a resuscitace LF UP a FN, Olomouc ¹; Department of Anaesthetics, Antrim Area Hospital, Velká Británie ²; Úsek kardiovaskulární anestézie a intenzivní péče ARO, Nemocnice Na Homolce, Praha ³
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2007; 70/103(5): 533-537
Category: Short Communication

Overview

Neuropathic pain caused by irritation of spinal nerves is one of the commonest symptoms accompanying degenerative and post-traumatic disorders of the spine. Its treatment includes pharmacotherapy, rehabilitation, psychology, minimally invasive and surgical techniques. Pulsed radiofrequency could be a method of choice if pharmacotherapy had failed and surgery is not indicated. Pulsed radiofrequency is one of the methods of neuromodulation in which temporary electrophysiologic changes of pain transmission due to effects of high frequency electric field occur. 101 patients were included in the study with the aim to prove the efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency in the management of radicular pain. Significant decrease of at least 30 points on visual analogue scale was observed both 30 and 180 days after the therapy in 74 (73,3 %) and 61 (60,4 %) patients respectively. The only serious complication was a mechanical injury to the nerve root in a patient with severe scoliosis.

Key words:
radicular pain – pulsed radiofrequency – neuromodulation

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