Radiofrequency Procedures

Abstract:   Radiofrequency is a minimally invasive, target-selective technique that has been in clinical use for more than 25 years and has demonstrated success at reducing pain in several chronic pain conditions, including trigeminal neuralgia, chronic low back pain, postherpetic neuralgia, and complex regional pain syndrome. However, the success of radiofrequency in chronic pain has not been adequately reproduced in good-quality, randomized controlled trials, and its use in the management of neuropathic pain is under some debate. In addition, conventional radiofrequency occasionally leads to worsening and even new onset of neuropathic pain. Nevertheless, clinical experience suggests that radiofrequency may be a useful tool in the overall management of refractory neuropathic pain. Pulsed radiofrequency in particular is a minimally destructive procedure that may offer new opportunities and a broader perspective for therapy with radiofrequency.