[Efficacy of high-voltage long-duration pulsed radiofrequency treatment in patients with neuralgia resulting from failed back surgery syndrome]

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of high-voltage long-duration pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment in patients with neuralgia resulting from failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Methods: The clinical data of 58 patients diagnosed with neuralgia resulting from FBSS in the Department of Pain Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital from January 2017 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment method. Experimental group (n=28) underwent high-voltage long-duration PRF therapy, using ultrasound and X-ray guidance to target the spinal nerve of the affected side, while control group (n=30) was applied with the standard pulsed radiofrequency therapy. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), 36-item short form health survey (SF-36), patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) before treatment and at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after treatment were recorded. Meanwhile, postprocedural complications and adverse reactions were also collected. Results: VAS, ODI, SF-36 and PHQ-9 scores at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after treatment were significantly improved in both groups compared with their respective pre-treatment baseline scores (all P 0.05). However, VAS, ODI, and PHQ-9 scores were lower in experiment group than those in control group at 6 months after treatment (all P 0.05). No serious complications occurred during the whole period of treatment. Conclusions: Both treatments can effectively relieve the lower limb neuralgia. High-voltage long-term PRF has better efficacy and longer duration than standard PRF.