The effect of needle tip position on the analgesic efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency treatment in patients with chronic lumbar radicular pain: a retrospective observational study
10.3344/kjp.2019.32.4.280
- Author:
Won Joong KIM
1
;
Hahck Soo PARK
;
Min Ki PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea. ickypoo@naver.com
- Publication Type:Comparative Study
- Keywords:
Analgesics;
Ganglia, Spinal;
Low Back Pain;
Lumbosacral Region;
Needles;
Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment;
Radiculopathy;
Spinal Nerve Roots
- MeSH:
Analgesics;
Fluoroscopy;
Ganglia, Spinal;
Humans;
Low Back Pain;
Lumbosacral Region;
Needles;
Observational Study;
Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment;
Radiculopathy;
Retrospective Studies;
Spinal Nerve Roots
- From:The Korean Journal of Pain
2019;32(4):280-285
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) is a treatment modality that alleviates radicular pain by intermittently applying high-frequency currents adjacent to the dorsal root ganglion. There has been no comparative study on analgesic effect according to the position of the needle tip in PRF treatment. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of PRF according to the needle tip position. METHODS: Patients were classified into 2 groups (group IP [group inside of pedicle] and group OP [group outside of pedicle]) based on needle tip position in the anteroposterior view of fluoroscopy. In the anteroposterior view, the needle tip was advanced medially further than the lateral aspect of the corresponding pedicle in group IP; however, in group OP, the needle tip was not advanced. The treatment outcomes and pain scores were evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after applying PRF. RESULTS: At 4, 8, and 12 weeks, there were no significant differences between the successful response rate and numerical rating scale score ratio. CONCLUSIONS: The analgesic efficacy of PRF treatment did not differ with the needle tip position.
