J Korean Pain Soc.  2004 Dec;17(Suppl):S68-S73. 10.3344/kjp.2004.17.S.S68.

Radiofrequency Treatments in Spinal Pain

• Yoon KB

• KMID: 2199656
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2004.17.S.S68

Abstract

Radiofrequency thermocoagulation is used to create discrete thermal lesions in the neural pathway to interrupt the transmission of pain. It is not a panacea, but a valuable tool in the treatment of chronic spinal pain. With the development of alternative treatments, such as neuromodulation technologies, the number of patients considered for neuroablative therapy may decrease. Nevertheless, there is moderate evidence suggesting it has an important role in the management of some spinal pains, such as cervical and lumbar zygapophysial pain. A reliable preoperative diagnosis, knowledge of the nerve's anatomical course and precise electrode placement are required for successful outcomes.

Keyword

radiofrequency thermocoagulation; spinal pain

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Electrocoagulation
Electrodes
Humans
Neural Pathways