Novel Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of the Epicondylar Branch of the Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of the Forearm for Recalcitrant Lateral Epicondylosis

Abstract

This report describes a novel technique for the treatment of recalcitrant lateral epicondylosis (LE) by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the epicondylar branch of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm (PCNF-BrEpi). Here, we describe two patients suffering from recalcitrant LE who were treated with ultrasound-guided RFA of the PCNF-BrEpi in the outpatient pain clinic setting. Patient follow-up was made at eight weeks, five months, and seven months. Numerical pain rating (NPR) for pain and Upper Extremity Functional Index-15 (UEFI-15) were obtained at baseline and at each of the follow-ups. Both patients reported significant improvement in their pain and function quickly. RFA may be a viable treatment option for recalcitrant LE. Larger comparative trials and further investigation are needed to establish results in comparison to conventional treatments and to validate RFA as a treatment option in recalcitrant LE.