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Long‐term Inhibition of Soleus H‐reflex with Epidural Adhesiolysis and Pulsed Radiofrequency in Lumbosacral Neuropathic Pain
Author(s) -
Vigneri Simone,
Sindaco Gianfranco,
La Grua Marco,
Zanella Matteo,
Paci Valentina,
Vinci Francesca Maria,
Sciacca Chiara,
Merlini Alberto,
Pari Gilberto
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pain practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1533-2500
pISSN - 1530-7085
DOI - 10.1111/papr.12955
Subject(s) - medicine , neuropathic pain , anesthesia , h reflex , pulsed radiofrequency , sural nerve , lumbosacral joint , soleus muscle , electromyography , reflex , surgery , anatomy , pain relief , physical medicine and rehabilitation , skeletal muscle
Abstract Introduction Scientific data about neurophysiological changes subsequent to pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) are still lacking. The goal of this study was to evaluate sural nerve conduction and Hoffmann reflex (H‐reflex) in soleus muscle following adhesiolysis and PRF in patients with unilateral chronic lumbosacral L5‐S1 neuropathic radiating pain. Methods Seventeen patients received two cycles of 240 seconds high‐voltage PRF and epidural adhesiolysis. Sural nerve action potential (SNAP) and the ratio of maximum H‐reflex to maximum M response (H/M ratio) as well as pain scores were collected in both lower limbs before, immediately following, and 1 month after the treatment. Results At follow‐up, a significant reduction in numeric rating scale (NRS) and Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4) scores was observed in 53% of patients reporting pain improvement of ≥ 30% over baseline. The H/M ratio was decreased in the affected limb following PRF ( P = 0.01) and 1 month after the treatment ( P = 0.04). A direct correlation was observed between H/M ratio variation and NRS score at follow‐up in the treated limb ( P = 0.04). No significant difference in sural nerve latency, amplitude, and velocity was detected between affected and normal side after treatment and at follow‐up. Conclusions Epidural adhesiolysis and PRF of the dorsal root ganglion seem to significantly affect spinal reflexes in patients with lumbosacral neuropathic radiating pain.