Objective:

Pulsed radiofrequency can be a non-destructive option compared with the thermical lesion produced by continuous radiofrequency. The application of PRF of the dorsal root ganglion is a therapeutic tool in patients with Lumbosacral Radicular Syndrome refractory to epidural steroids injections. The mechanisms of action are not clear yet and a neuromodulation process is proposed. The evidence of the efficacy of this intervention is of low quality, due to several factors. Our objective is to present a review of the evidence of the efficacy and safety profile of the DRG RFP. The clinical aspects related to the technique and its possible mechanisms of action are also reviewed.

Material and methods:

A bibliographic review was performed in MEDLINE (Pubmed), Google Scholar, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane and Fisterra (clinical guidelines) of articles in English and Spanish, during the available years with the terms: "Dorsal Root Ganglion pulsed radiofrequency" and "lumbar" or "lumbosacral radicular pain" in English and Spanish. Bibliographic review was carried out by the 2 authors independently.

Results:

We present the analysis of eight prospective, randomized studies and nine cohort studies, with a before and after type of design, in which the study of efficacy and safety was proposed as the main objective.

Conclusions:

This review suggested that PRF of the DRG can be a good therapeutic option in patients with refractory LRS. Larger, blinded, prospective and randomized controlled trials are needed to support this statement.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in English | Spanish     · English ( pdf ) | Spanish ( pdf )