Abstract

Abstract

Overview

Neuropathic pain (NP) poses significant public health challenges globally due to its complex mechanisms and difficult treatment options. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF), as a noninvasive and targeted therapy, offers potential benefits for NP treatment although definitive evidence from randomized controlled trials is sparse.

Objective

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and clinical utility of PRF in NP treatment through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Study Design & Methodology

• Design: Meta-analysis of selected studies.
• Method: Systematic review of databases including PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE.com, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature, and Wanfang up to December 19, 2015. Trials were assessed using Cochrane's risk of bias tool, and meta-analysis was done using RevMan 5.3 software.

Findings

A total of 12 trials involving 592 patients were analyzed. PRF showed better outcomes in treating postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) compared to control groups across several metrics including pain scores and efficiency rates, particularly in the short term. However, PRF’s efficacy in managing radicular pain over longer periods showed no significant advantage.

Conclusion

Despite PRF’s demonstrated effectiveness in certain conditions like PHN, it does not show sustained benefits for radicular pain. PRF treatments also carry limitations due to potential high recurrence rates over extended periods.