Abstract
Objective: The effectiveness of radiofrequency thermocoagulation of nerve roots was evaluated in 66 patients who were treated with selective radicular block using local anesthesia only, resulting in transient effects, and who were therefore diagnosed with intractable cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. Methods: After fluoroscopic radiculography using a needle electrode (non-insulated portion, 4mm), a local anesthetic was infused, followed by 90-second radiofrequency thermocoagluation at 40°C. One week later, the first evaluation was made. If the treatment was not effective and loss of muscular strength was not observed, the treatment was repeated at higher temperatures. The final evaluation was made 4 weeks after the last treatment. An evaluation of “effective” was given when the visual analogue scale pain score was decreased to half of the original value. Results: “Effective” results were found in 35 patients (effectiveness rate, 53.0%). A major adverse effect was loss of muscular strength which lasted for more than 1 week, which was noted in 19 patients (28.8%) but was recovered within 4 weeks in each patient Conclusion: Radiofrequency thermocoagulation for intractable cervical spondylotic radiculopathy is effective and worth trying under temperature control.
