Abstract:

Objective To investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of spinal cord cross-sectional CT guided continuous radiofrequency thermocoagulation in treatment of refractory neuralgia after paraplegia caused by spinal cord injury. Methods Fourteen cases with refractory neuralgia caused by spinal cord injury were included in this study. The damage level of spinal cord injury was verified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and physical examination. At 1-2 segments above the damage level, a puncture was performed trans-lamina to the spinal cord with CT guide and followed by continuous radiofrequency thermocoagulation therapy to the target. Results All treatments were successful. One patient's pain recurred 3 years after the treatment, and disappeared after another spinal cord radiofrequency thermocoagulation therapy. The remaining patients had no pain, the efficacy was 92.9%. Conclusion Spinal cord CT-guided continuous radiofrequency thermocoagulation therapy for refractory neuralgia after spinal cord injury is a safe, effective and accurate method and has clinical practical value.

Key words: continuous radiofrequency thermocoagulation therapy, spinal cord injury (SCI), neuropathic pain (NP)