The efficiency of pulsed radiofrequency application on L5 and l6 dorsal roots in rabbits developing neuropathic pain.
BACKGROUND
Injury of a peripheral nerve may lead to neuropathic pain, a form of chronic pain that does not respond to traditional pain therapies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) applied to the L5 and L6 dorsal roots on the neuropathic pain that develops after sciatic nerve injury in rabbits.


METHODS
In this study, 18 New Zealand rabbits were used. These were divided into 3 groups. In groups 1 and 2, the left sciatic nerve was tightly ligated as a partial ligation model with 4-0 silk sutures. Group 3 was a sham group. Pulsed radiofrequency was applied to group 1 rabbits on both dorsal roots at 42 degrees C for 8 mins. The responses of all the groups to thermal and mechanical stimuli were measured for a period of 4 weeks after this process.


RESULTS
Ten days after ligation of the left sciatic nerve and before PRF application, neuropathic pain occurred; the responses of groups 1 and 2 to the hot plate test and to the mechanical stimulus were lower (P < 0.005) when compared with the baseline values. There were no statistically significant differences between baseline values and group 1 rabbits' responses to the hot plate test 2 weeks after the application of PRF or to the mechanical stimulus 3 weeks after RF application. The decrease seen in group 2 persisted after 4 weeks (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The hyperalgesia that develops as a result of neuropathic pain in rabbits was observed to be reduced by PRF application.
Aksu
Recep
R
Department of Anesthesiology, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey. raksu@erciyes.edu.tr
Uğur
Fatih
F
Bicer
Cihangir
C
Menkü
Ahmet
A
Güler
Gülen
G
Madenoğlu
Halit
H
Canpolat
Dilek Günay
DG
Boyaci
Adem
A
D000818:Animals; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006930:Hyperalgesia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017288:Pain Threshold; D011817:Rabbits; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000293:injuries*; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome