Clinical application of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulaion in the brachial plexus nerve roots block / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical application of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulaion in brachial plexus block.MethodsC5-C7 brachial plexus block was performed by 6-13 MHz high-frequency ultrasound probe in 65 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score were compared before and after treatment.ResultsThe brachial plexus was showed clearly in 62 patients; however, 3 patients had to be confi rmed by nerve stimulation positioning. The percentage of successful rate is 100%. There was no operation related nerve injury and other complications. The VAS score of preoperation and 1st, 4th and 12nd week after treatment was 8.67±0.76, 3.58±0.62, 2.46±0.2 and 1.77±0.28, respectively. There were significantly difference between before and after treatment (t=58.71, 6.23, 107.72, allP<0.01).ConclusionThe brachial plexus block using radiofrequency thermocoagulaion combined with ultrasound guidance is a safe and radiation-free treatment and warrants to be promoted in clinical practices.