Effect of bipolar pulsed radiofrequency on chronic cervical radicular pain refractory to monopolar pulsed radiofrequency

Background: We aimed to evaluate the effect of bipolar pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) in patients with chronic cervical radicular pain who were refractory to monopolar PRF and transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI). Methods: Twenty patients with chronic cervical radicular pain who were unresponsive to monopolar PRF and TFESI were included and underwent bipolar PRF of their cervical dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Treatment outcomes were evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for cervical radicular pain before treatment and 1, 2, and 3 months post-treatment. Successful pain relief was defined as ≥50% reduction in the NRS score compared with the score prior to treatment. Furthermore, at 3 months post-treatment, patient satisfaction levels were evaluated; those with very good (score =7) or good (score =6) results were considered to be satisfied with the bipolar PRF procedure. Results: Cervical radicular pain was significantly reduced at 1, 2, and 3 months post-PRF (P<0.001). In addition, at 3 months post-PRF, half of the patients achieved a successful response and were satisfied with the treatment results. Conclusions: Bipolar PRF on cervical DRG may be a good treatment option for managing refractory chronic cervical radicular pain.