Effects of pulsed radiofrequency on spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury: a report of two cases

Spasticity following spinal cord injury (SCI) results in functional deterioration and reduced quality of life. Herein, we report two SCI patients who presented with good response to pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) for the management of spasticity in the lower extremities. Patient 1 (a 47-year-old man) had complete thoracic cord injury and showed a phasic spasticity on the extensor of both knees (3–4 beats clonus per every 30 seconds) and tonic spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale: 3) on both hip adductors. Patient 2 (a 64-year-old man) had incomplete cervical cord injury and showed a right ankle clonus (approximately 20 beats) when he walked. After the application of PRF to both L(2) and L(3) dorsal root ganglion (DRG) (patient 1) and right S(1) DRG (patient 2) with 5 Hz and 5 ms pulsed width for 360 seconds at 45V under the C-arm guide, all spasticity disappeared or was reduced. Moreover, the effects of PRF were sustained for approximately 6 months with no side effects. We believe that PRF treatment can be useful for patients with spasticity after SCI.