中国P站

Abstract

Background: There is a lack of literature on the invasive treatment of refractory atlanto-occipital (AO) joint pain. We retrospectively studied the effectiveness of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment for AO joint pain.

Materials & Methods: We retrospectively studied a case series report on the effectiveness of PRF in patients with AO joint pain lasting more than three months. Patients included in the study were aged 18 years or older, experienced occipital neck pain and headaches refractory to conservative treatment (expectant policy, pain education, medication, physiotherapy), had clinical signs and symptoms indicating AO joint involvement, understood the treatment, and provided verbal consent to undergo the treatment. Invasive PRF treatment (5 Hz, 5 msec, 4 minutes, 45 V, maximum of 42 degrees Celsius) was carried out at the posterolateral third of the AO joint, with determination of the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain before and two months after treatment, and global perceived effect (GPE) for recovery and satisfaction two months after the PRF treatment.

Results: The median NRS score decreased from 8.5 to 5 (p-value <0.001, 芒聢聠NRS > 50% 7 (32%), 芒聢聠NRS > 30% 15 (68%). The change in NRS score correlated with GPE scales satisfaction and recovery (p-value <0.001). There was a good correlation between the GPE scales for recovery and satisfaction. There was no correlation between ΔNRS and the presence of claims. No complications were observed.

Conclusion: In patients with chronic AO joint pain PRF treatment can result in a statistically significant pain reduction, recovery and satisfaction with the results. High quality research is needed to more accurately define the place of PRF in patients with AO joint pain and cervicogenic headache.

Keywords: Atlanto-occipital joint; AO joint; Pulsed Radiofrequency; PRF; Cervicogenic headache