Pulsed and conventional radiofrequency thermocoagulation applications on low back pain

Abstract

Nowadays, low back pain (LBP) is an important health problem. Radiofrequency (RF) treatments can generate different temperature levels by transferring energy to the targeted tissue, and which is an effective interventional treatment method for LBP patients. In this study, we compared the effects of pulsed and conventional RF treatments on patients with LBP. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with LBP histories for longer than three months received pulsed (42 0C, 240 s) (n=15) and conventional (65 0C, 120 s) (n=15) RF treatments. The baseline and one and three months after the procedure, the patients' pain and disability values were obtained using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), respectively. The results of the patients' neurological examinations were also recorded. Results: The VAS and modified ODI values were reduced in both groups one and three months after the RF treatments when compared to the baseline values However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the neurological examination results involving motor, sensorial, and reflex losses. Conclusion: The pulsed and conventional RF treatments exhibited similar effects in the LBP patients. Therefore, higher temperatures do not provide an advantage. Pulsed RF treatment applied to the dorsal root ganglion is a safe and effective way to avoid possible side effects.