Ultrasound-guided high-voltage vs conventional pulsed radiofrequency in elderly cervical radiculopathy: A randomized controlled trial .
Pak J Pharm SciSep 9, 2026
Tingyang Dou, Zhenhua Zeng, Sanbao Zou et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided high-voltage pulsed radiofrequency (HVP-PRF) versus conventional pulsed radiofrequency (C-PRF) in 101 elderly patients (aged 60-85) with cervical radiculopathy. HVP-PRF resulted in significantly greater improvement in upper-limb radiating pain at 3 months, with an adjusted mean difference of 1.24 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS).
Key findings
- HVP-PRF showed a significant improvement in radiating pain at 3 months (AMD 1.24, P=0.002).
- Functional improvement measured by Neck Disability Index was superior in the HVP-PRF group (AMD 6.47, P=0.004).
- Responder rates for HVP-PRF were higher at 3 months (68.75% vs. 42.22%, OR 3.01, P=0.011).
- Rescue analgesic use was lower in the HVP-PRF group during 1-3 months (P<0.05).
Why it matters
The findings suggest that HVP-PRF may offer a more effective pain management strategy for elderly patients with cervical radiculopathy, potentially reducing reliance on rescue analgesics and improving functional outcomes.