Pulsed Radiofrequency Neuromodulation in Interventional Pain Management-A Growing Technology

The objective of this article is to review literature on the history, proposed mechanism, and clinically relevant information on pulsed radiofrequency neuromodulation (PRF). We collected a variety of publications reviewing the safety and efficacy of PRF for various conditions commonly encountered in the field of pain management. Numerous randomized control trials, prospective series, and case reports have been published studying PRF. Many of the publications used for this review were case reports and clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of PRF. Although there is evidence in some studies of the efficacy of PRF, results are occasionally conflicting or inconclusive. PRF is a safe and effective modality with a rapidly growing body of evidence to support its use in a number of clinical conditions. These conditions include headaches, radicular pain, chronic shoulder pain, axial low back pain, knee and hip pain, and peripheral nerve pain. Further studies are needed to determine which clinical conditions respond best to this therapy.