The Effect of Pulsed Radiofrequency Applied to the Peripheral Nerve in Chronic Constriction Injury Rat Model

This study investigates whether pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) can reduce neuropathic pain in rats with nerve damage. Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition arising from nerve lesions, and current treatments often provide only partial relief. The researchers induced nerve injury in rats and then applied PRF, a treatment using radio waves, to the affected nerves. They measured the rats' pain responses and levels of a pain-related protein called TNF-α. The study found that PRF reduced pain and lowered TNF-α levels in the rats' spinal cords and nerves. This suggests PRF could be a helpful therapy for neuropathic pain by modulating inflammatory markers.

• 1
  After PRF, withdrawal frequency decreased and withdrawal latency prolonged over time in group B, indicating reduced pain sensitivity.
• 2
  Group B showed decreased TNF-α immunoreactivity of the spinal cord and sciatic nerve at 7 days, suggesting reduced inflammation.
• 3
  There was significant interaction between time and group for withdrawal frequency and withdrawal latency, demonstrating the effect of PRF on pain response.