Open AccessUtility of Intercostal Nerve Conventional Thermal Radiofrequency Ablations in the Injured Worker after Blunt Trauma
Author(s) -
Andrew Engel
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
pain physician
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.31
H-Index - 99
eISSN - 2150-1149
pISSN - 1533-3159
DOI - 10.36076/ppj.2012/15/e711
Subject(s) - medicine , intercostal nerves , pulsed radiofrequency , surgery , radiofrequency ablation , neuralgia , anesthesia , blunt , pain relief , neuropathic pain , ablation
Background: Intercostal nerve blocks offer short-term therapeutic relief and serve as adiagnostic test for intercostal neuralgia. This original case report demonstrates the efficacyof radiofrequency ablations for long-term pain relief of intercostal neuralgia. To date, therehave been no studies that demonstrate the efficacy of thermal conventional intercostal nerveradiofrequency ablations for intercostal neuralgia.Objective: Describe the use of conventional thermal radiofrequency ablations of theintercostal nerves to treat blunt chest wall trauma.Study Design: Case report.Setting: Clinical practice.Methods: Six patients suffering from work-related injuries to the chest wall whose treatmentfocused on conventional thermal radiofrequency ablations of the intercostal nerves.Results: Four of the 6 patients were pain free by their final visit. The remaining 2 patientsexperienced pain relief until one began wearing a brace after an L5-S1 fusion; the otherrequired repeat treatment after 5.5 months.Limitations: Case series. There was limited follow-up as patients were either discharged afterreceiving potentially curative care or were lost to follow-up.Conclusions: Following conventional thermal radiofrequency ablations of the intercostalnerves, 5 of the 6 patients experienced either long-term pain relief or required no additionalcare. The treatment has potential efficacy for injuries, including rib fractures or intercostalneuralgia, stemming from blunt trauma to the chest wall. In addition, there may be a potentialfor this treatment to help patients suffering from postthoracotomy pain.Key Words: Radiofrequency ablation, intercostal neuralgia, rib fracture, blunt trauma,workers’ compensation.