Pulsed radio frequency: a non-neurodestructive therapy in pain management

To appraise and discuss the current available evidence on pulsed radio frequency (PRF), with an emphasis on published randomized controlled clinical trials.

Pulsed radio frequency is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat a wide variety of chronic pain conditions. It is considered to be a safe and effective pain intervention with minimal side effects when performed by an experienced clinician with careful patient selection. Its mechanism of action is thought to be via neuromodulation, as 'pulses' of electric current are created at the electrode tip without a significant rise in temperature. Painful conditions successfully treated with PRF include chronic cervical radicular pain, trigeminal neuralgia, chronic shoulder pain and chronic low back pain.

At present very few well designed randomized controlled trials have been carried out on patients comparing PRF to another technique. Further scientific research and clinical trials are required to confirm whether PRF has a significant role in the future of chronic pain management.