KMID : 0357220110230060031
|
|
Journal of Korean Society Physical Therapy 2011 Volume.23 No. 6 p.31 ~ p.36
|
|
Percutaneous Continuous Radiofrequency Application to Dorsal Root Ganglia in Spinal Cord Lesion Patients: Pilot Case Series
|
|
Lee Dong-Gyu
Ahn Sang-Ho
|
|
Abstract
|
|
|
Purpose: This pilot case series study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of continuous radiofrequency (CRF) application on dorsal root ganglia (DRG) to reduce spasticity of spinal cord lesion (SCL) patients.
Methods: We performed CRF procedures on DRG in 8 subjects (7 males; mean age 39 years, range 31-53 years) with intractable spasticity that impeded activities of daily living and caregiving, although they had maximal tolerable doses of anti-spastic medications and active rehabilitative treatment. All subjects underwent CRF (90 seconds at 90¡ÆC) at multiple lumbosacral and/or cervical DRG. Muscle tone of the extremities was measured by the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) before and one month after procedures. Functional goals were established at baseline, and subjects¡¯ satisfaction levels were categorized one month after procedures.
Results: A total of 54 CRF treatments were performed in 8 patients. In all patients, we found some improvement in muscle tone measured by the MAS. Six patients reported themselves satisfied with their current status at one month¡¯s post-treatment, and 2 patients were fairly satisfied with their gait pattern. In 3 patients, neuropathic pain was present after CRF on DRG. In 1 lumbar case, the pain subsided after several days, and the other 2 cervical cases suffered from tolerable neuropathic pain treated with anti-convulsant medication.
Conclusion: CRF on DRG might be a promising alternative treatment to reduce spasticity in SCL patients. Further well-designed clinical trials on the efficacy and safety of CRF application on DRG are needed.
|
|
KEYWORD
|
|
Continuous radiofrequency, Spinal Cord Lesion, Spasticity, Dorsal Root Ganglia
|
|
FullTexts / Linksout information
|
|
|
|
Listed journal information
|
|
|
|