Neuronavigation-assisted percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation therapy in trigeminal neuralgia.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the roles of neuronavigation-assisted percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation therapy in patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia (TN).


METHODS
Neuronavigation technique was applied in 12 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation therapy for their primary TN.


RESULTS
Neuronavigation assistance ensured precise puncture of oval foramen and successful targeting of trigeminal nerve ganglion in all 12 patients during percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation therapy and resulted in 100% of acute cure rate of TN without major complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Neuronavigation is a very useful tool during percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation therapy in patients with primary TN.
Yang
Yang
Y
Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 Western Culture Road, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China.
Shao
Yi
Y
Wang
Hongwei
H
Liu
Yuguang
Y
Zhu
Shugan
S
Wu
Chengyuan
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005154:Facial Nerve; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008406:Masseter Muscle; D008875:Middle Aged; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000209:etiology; D038361:Neuronavigation; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014277:Trigeminal Neuralgia / Q000628:therapy*