Pulsed radiofrequency for treatment of complex regional pain syndrome: A scoping review

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating chronic pain condition characterized by sensory, motor, and autonomic disturbances, often resistant to conventional therapies. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF), a non-neurodestructive neuromodulation technique, has been described as a potential intervention for CRPS, though its clinical effectiveness remains uncertain due to limited evidence.

To summarize the existing literature on PRF for the management of CRPS, including study designs, procedural characteristics, outcome measures, and reported safety considerations, and to identify knowledge gaps to guide future research.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus from inception to October 31, 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, observational studies, case series, and case reports reporting on PRF for CRPS. Data were charted for study characteristics, intervention details, outcome domains, and adverse events. No formal risk of bias assessment or meta-analysis was performed, consistent with scoping review methodology.

Eleven studies involving a total of 43 patients were included, consisting of case reports, case series, and small retrospective cohorts, with no randomized controlled trials identified. PRF targeting sympathetic structures, dorsal root ganglia, or peripheral nerves was generally associated with reductions in pain intensity across short-to-mid-term follow-up, and no serious adverse events were reported.

PRF appears to be a safe, minimally invasive intervention with potential benefit for pain reduction in CRPS. However, the current evidence is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity, and inconsistent reporting, highlighting the need for well-designed randomized controlled trials to clarify its role in CRPS management.