title: Neuronavigation-assisted percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation therapy in trigeminal neuralgia.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 Western Culture Road, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Yang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Yi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shao
authors.forename: Hongwei
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yuguang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Shugan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: Chengyuan
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: 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*