The efficacy and successful factors of pulsed radiofrequency treatment of lumbosacral radicular pain patients

Objective Studies have reported several treatment modalities for patients with lumbosacral radicular pain . However, the available evidence is not robust to establish definitive conclusions. The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment in patients with lumbosacral radicular pain . Methods We have retrospectively reviewed and analyzed lumbosacral radicular pain in 34 patients who underwent PRF treatment at our institute. Diagnostic selective nerve root block was performed and patients who experienced more than 50% pain reduction were exposed to PRF. Pain relief was evaluated based on visual analog scale (VAS) scores at pre-treatment, 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months post-treatment. A success group and outcome were defined by more than 50% reduction in VAS scores at 6 months. Results Successful outcome was achieved in 47% of patients. None of the patients had any side effects or procedure-related complications during the follow-up. Sex, number of lesions of treatment and pre-treatment VAS score showed no statistically significant differences between success and failure groups. The age of success group (52.9 ± 17.30 years) was significantly (P < 0.002) lower than in failure group (70.5 ± 14.4 years). The success versus failure ratio was 67% in patients with herniated lumbar disc (HLD) (n = 21) and 22% in those with spinal stenosis (n = 9). Interestingly, all patients with l failed back surgery syndrome (n = 4) belonged to the failure group. Conclusions PRF treatment of lumbosacral radicular pain patients is a safe and efficacious treatment option, especially in younger and HLD patients.