Epidural Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Evaluation of the Effect of Epidural Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment on Pain in Patients Diagnosed With Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (Persistant Spinal Pain Syndrome)

Low back pain can persist in some patients with history of back surgery. In some cases, an increase in pain may even occur, and chronic pain may make treatment more difficult. A component of chronic pain is neuropathic pain, and its specific evaluation and treatment is important. Low back pain and radicular pain in the lower extremities are the main symptoms of failed back surgery syndrome (also called persistent spinal pain syndrome in new terminology).

There are many methods for treatment of failed back surgery syndrome, such as analgesic medications, physical therapy, interventional pain treatment applications, and re-surgery options. Epidural pulsed radiofrequency therapy has recently become popular among interventional pain management procedures, and studies on its effectiveness are increasing. However, studies with a multifaceted approach that also evaluate neuropathic pain are lacking in the literature. In this study, it was planned to investigate the effect of epidural pulsed radiofrequency therapy on pain palliation, including neuropathic pain, in patients diagnosed with failed back surgery syndrome.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being between the ages of 18-80
• History of at least one operation due to lumbar disc herniation
• Having radicular pain radiating to the lower extremities

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having undergone surgery for an etiology other than lumbar disc herniation
• Accompanying spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis
• Presence of fracture, infection, coagulopathy and pregnancy
• Mental disorders that may negatively affect cooperation during assessments.