Abstract
Supraclavicular nerve injury is a common complication after plate fixation of a midshaft clavicular fracture. We herein report a case of chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) after plate fixation of midshaft clavicular fracture successfully treated with pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the supraclavicular nerve. A 46-year-old man sustained a midshaft clavicular fracture and underwent plate fixation 2 years ago. After surgery, the pain around the left clavicle worsened and persisted. Implant removal did not improve the pain. On referral to our hospital, he was suffering from stabbing pain around the left precordia, clavicle, and shoulder. Superficial cervical plexus block decreased the pain, but the effect was temporary. For this reason, we performed PRF treatment of the supraclavicular nerve for a possible long-lasting effect. After two treatments with PRF, the pain had been relieved to a numerical rating scale of 2–3 at the next visit. PRF of the peripheral nerve may be a promising treatment for intractable CPSP involving peripheral nerve injury.
