This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of 45 V and 60 V pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) applied to the cervical dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in patients with cervical radicular pain. Treatment efficacy will be evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain intensity and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) for functional disability. Procedure-related adverse events will also be compared to assess the safety of both voltage settings.
Unilateral cervical radicular pain consistent with cervical disc herniation.
Pain intensity of ≥6 on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).
Radicular pain persisting for at least 3 months.
MRI evidence of lower cervical nerve root compression consistent with clinical findings.
Bilateral upper extremity pain or predominant axial neck pain.
Cervical spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, cervical myelopathy, or other structural spinal disorders causing radicular pain.
Previous cervical spine surgery at the target level.
Cognitive impairment preventing reliable outcome assessment.
Parallel
45 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency
Procedure/SurgeryAfter standard hemodynamic monitoring, the patient was placed in the supine position, and the cervical region was prepared using sterile technique. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the target cervical neural foramen was identified in anteroposterior and lateral views. Following local infiltration with 2 mL of 1% lidocaine, a radiofrequency cannula was advanced to the target cervical dorsal root ganglion. Correct needle placement was confirmed fluoroscopically and by sensory stimulation, which elicited concordant paresthesia in the corresponding dermatome. Pulsed radiofrequency was then applied for 240 seconds at a maximum temperature of 42°C using a voltage of 45 V. After completion of the procedure, the cannula was removed, a sterile dressing was applied, and patients were observed for 60 minutes before discharge.
60 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency
Procedure/SurgeryAfter standard hemodynamic monitoring, the patient was placed in the supine position, and the cervical region was prepared using sterile technique. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the target cervical neural foramen was identified in anteroposterior and lateral views. Following local infiltration with 2 mL of 1% lidocaine, a radiofrequency cannula was advanced to the target cervical dorsal root ganglion. Correct needle placement was confirmed fluoroscopically and by sensory stimulation, which elicited concordant paresthesia in the corresponding dermatome. Pulsed radiofrequency was then applied for 240 seconds at a maximum temperature of 42°C using a voltage of 60 V. After completion of the procedure, the cannula was removed, a sterile dressing was applied, and patients were observed for 60 minutes before discharge.
Numerical rating scale (NRS)
NRS is a scale that can be used measuring pain. Scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (the worst pain)
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
NDI is a validated questionnaire used to assess functional disability associated with neck pain. Scores range from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating greater disability.
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