| 제목 |
Effect of pulsed radiofrequency therapy on chronic refractory atlanto-occipital joint pain |
| 소속 |
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University1 |
| 저자 |
Hyeong Jun Tak1,1†, Min cheol Chang1,1†, Dong Gyu Kwak1,1*† |
OBJECTIVE: Despite several methods of conservative management, many patients with atlanto-occipital (AO) joint pain complain of persistent pain. In the current study, the authors investigated the clinical efficacy of intra-articular pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) therapy for the management of refractory chronic AO joint pain.
METHODS: Twenty patients with refractory AO joint pain were recruited, and each received intra-articular AO joint PRF stimulation. Pain reduction after PRF therapy was measured using a numerical rating scale (NRS) before, and at 1 and 3 months, after treatment. Successful pain relief was defined as ≥ 50% reduction in the NRS score compared with the pretreatment score. At 3 months after treatment, patient satisfaction levels were also examined. Patients reporting very good (score = 7) or good (score = 6) results were considered to be satisfied with the procedure.
RESULTS: The NRS scores changed significantly over time. At 1 and 3 months after PRF therapy, the NRS scores were significantly reduced compared with pretreatment scores. Sixteen of the 20 (80%) patients reported pain relief and were satisfied with treatment results 3 months after PRF. No adverse effects were reported.
CONCLUSIONS: Intra-articular PRF therapy is a beneficial treatment tool for managing refractory chronic AO joint pain.
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Fluoroscopy-guided pulsed radiofrequency on the atlanto-occipital joint. A: Ipsilateral side oblique view; a 25-gauge curved tip needle is inserted into the atlanto-occipital joint.
Average numerical rating scale (NRS) scores for atlanto-occipital joint pain. Pain was reduced significantly from 5.8 ± 1.2 at pretreatment to 2.2 ± 1.5 at 1 month and 2.5 ± 1.7 at 3 months after pulsed radiofrequency stimulation. *Indicates a statistically significant result (i.e., p < 0.05).
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