Technical aspects of radiofrequency

Radiofrequency (RF) is an alternating electric field with an oscillating frequency of 500,000 Hz. If the resulting current flows through a percutaneously introduced electrode, heat will be produced around the electrode because the body tissue acts as a resistor. RF can, therefore, be used to ablate nervous tissue in the treatment of chronic pain. This method has gained acceptance for percutaneous cordotomy and for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. For spinal pain, the method had little success initially, but since the introduction of small diameter instrumentation, the results have markedly improved. he mechanism of action of RF has not been challenged until recently even though there was awareness that some observations were not consistent with the heat concept. The formation of heat is not the only occurrence during RF treatment, however. The tissue surrounding the electrode is also exposed to the RF electric field. This exposure has a biological effect as has been demonstrated both in cells in a cell culture and in the exposure to RF of dorsal root ganglia, resulting in transsynaptal induction of early gene expression in the dorsal horn. The mode of action of RF is, therefore, uncertain at the moment. The method of pulsed RF is based on the concept that the production of heat has been a by-product of RF treatment and that the clinical effect is due to exposure to the electric field. In pulsed RF, the generator output is interrupted to allow for the elimination of heat in the silent period. The early results have been encouraging, but the results of controlled, prospective studies are not yet available. Since there are now 2 almost diametrically opposed views on the mode of action of RF, it is difficult to give recommendations for treatment. The decision is easy for indications for which heat RF has traditionally been contraindicated such as the treatment of peripheral nerves and trigger points. When the application of heat carries a potential risk, for instance if the dorsal root ganglion is the target structure, the use of pulsed RF is also recommended. As for the medial branch the situation is controversial. Since there are controlled studies available showing the effect of heat lesions, it is recommended that the technique should not be changed until further studies have been completed. Finally, the equipment for RF treatment is described and safety issues are discussed.