Effect of Pulsed Radiofrequency Therapy on Chronic Refractory Atlanto-Occipital Joint Pain

Despite several methods of conservative management, many patients with atlanto-occipital (AO) joint pain complain of persistent pain. In the current study, the authors investigated the clinical efficacy of intra-articular pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) therapy for the management of refractory chronic AO joint pain.

Twenty patients with refractory AO joint pain were recruited, and each received intra-articular AO joint PRF stimulation. Pain reduction after PRF therapy was measured using a numerical rating scale (NRS) before and at 1 and 3 months after treatment. Successful pain relief was defined as ≥50% reduction in the NRS score compared with the pretreatment score. At 3 months after treatment, patient satisfaction levels were also examined. Patients reporting very good (score = 7) or good (score = 6) results were considered to be satisfied with the procedure.

The NRS scores changed significantly over time. At 1 and 3 months after PRF therapy, the NRS scores were significantly reduced compared with pretreatment scores. Sixteen of the 20 (80%) patients reported pain relief and were satisfied with treatment results 3 months after PRF. No adverse effects were reported.

Intra-articular PRF therapy is a beneficial treatment tool for managing refractory chronic AO joint pain.