Abstract
In recent years there has been debate among spinal surgeons, neurosurgeons and pain
physicians regarding the efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) ablation when treating patients
with a neuropathic pain source. It is usually considered as a treatment option after
conservative treatment has failed. Twenty-eight patients with a minimal follow-up
of 1 year were examined in our institution after they had undergone pulsed radiofrequency
(PRF) procedures due to neuropathic spinal pain. Nineteen patients (68 %) reported
long-term pain relief (more than 1 year) which was defined as a reduction of the visual
analogue score by at least 30 %. No complications were found in this study except
for mild discomfort in the treated area which spontaneously resolved up to 3 weeks
after the procedure. We concluded that PRF is a safe and an effective procedure for
patients who suffer from chronic neuropathic pain from spinal origin. It should be
tried after conservative treatment has failed.
Key words
Pulsed radiofrequency - neuropathic spinal pain
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Shay Shabat, M. D.
Spinal Care Unit · Sapir Medical Center
48 Tchernichovsky St.
44281 Kfar-Saba
Israel
Phone: +972/9/7472642
Fax: +972/9/7410596
Email: drshabat@hotmail.com
