Pulsed radiofrequency at the elbow was effective in remitting post- carpal tunnel surgery pain
Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Median Nerve under Ultrasound Guidance
Pain Physician 2007; 10:765-770
Naeem Haider, MD, Daniel Mekasha, MD, Srinivas Chiravuri, MD, and Ronald Wasserman
free article here
- Recurrent symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome in 0% to 19% of patients following surgery
- up to 12% requiring re-exploration.
Common causes include:
- Incomplete release
- Scar “fibrous proliferation”
- Recurrent tenosynovitis
Re-exploration may be associated with “high recurrence rates”
Case with recurrence:
- Pain continuous from 3/10 to 9/10 and interfering with sleep
Pulsed radiofrequency at the elbow under ultrasound control
2 Hz stimulation and 0.3 mA was assessed.
PRF was again performed for 90 seconds at 42 degrees Celsius (this is not much higher than one could get with a fever!) – repeated so 3 sites done in area.
Results – 12+ weeks up t0 70% relief with recurrence subsequently
Comment – this procedure could just be repeated…