title: [Long-term effects of pulsed radiofrequency on the dorsal root ganglion and segmental nerve roots for lumbosacral radicular pain: a prospective controlled randomized trial with nerve root block].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) method for lumbosacral radicular pain (LSRP) is reportedly effective, there are no prospective controlled trials. We assessed the long-term efficacy of PRF of the dorsal root ganglion and nerve roots for LSRP as compared with nerve root block (RB).
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 27 patients suffering from LSRP. The design of this study was randomized with a RB control. In the PRF group, the PRF current was applied for 120 seconds after RB. In the RB group, the patients received RB only. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was assessed immediately before, and immediately, 2 hours, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the procedure. P<0.05 was regarded as denoting statistical significance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In both groups, the VAS not only of short-term but also of long-term (6 months and 1 year after procedure) significantly decreased as compared with that before treatment (P<0.05). There were no significant differences of VAS between the two groups at the same time points.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study indicates that PRF adjacent to the dorsal root ganglion and nerve roots for LSRP has long-term effects. There were no significant differences of long-term effects between the two groups.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, Kajiki Hospital, Okayama, 701-0136.
authors.forename: Hiromi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fujii
authors.forename: Yoshinori
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kosogabe
authors.forename: Hideki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kajiki
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D005260:Female; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal; D006801:Humans; D008160:Lumbosacral Plexus; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000628:therapy*; D061208:Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local