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Published on: October 20, 2021
Nerve regeneration after radiofrequency application.
Nobuyasu Ochiai1, James P Tasto, Seiji Ohtori
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|July 20, 2007
Summary
Bipolar radiofrequency treatment initially reduces sensory nerve fibers in tendinosis patients. However, these nerve fibers fully regenerate within 90 days, potentially explaining long-term pain relief.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative medicine
- Pain management
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Chronic tendinosis patients often experience pain relief with bipolar radiofrequency treatment.
- The mechanism may involve the degeneration or ablation of sensory nerve fibers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regeneration of sensory nerve fibers after bipolar radiofrequency treatment over time.
Main Methods:
- A controlled laboratory study using Sprague-Dawley rats divided into 3 groups (30, 60, 90 days post-treatment).
- Bipolar radiofrequency was applied to the hindpaws, with contralateral paws serving as controls.
- Immunohistochemistry for neural class III beta-tubulin and calcitonin gene-related peptide was used to quantify epidermal nerve fibers.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in nerve fibers was observed up to 60 days post-treatment (P <.0001).
- Complete regeneration of epidermal nerve fibers was evident by 90 days after bipolar radiofrequency application.
Conclusions:
- Bipolar radiofrequency treatment causes immediate sensory nerve fiber degeneration.
- Nerve fiber regeneration is complete by 90 days post-treatment.
- This degeneration-regeneration cycle may explain sustained pain relief in tendinosis patients.
