Management of neuropathic pain induced by cubital tunnel syndrome using pulsed radiofrequency: Two case reports

RATIONALE: Recently, pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) has been applied to alleviate neuropathic pain caused by various peripheral nerve pathologies. This report describes and discusses the cases of 2 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome who responded well to PRF for the management of neuropathic pain. PATIENT CONCERNS: Patients 1 and 2 presented with numeric rating scale (NRS) scores of 4 and 3 for neuropathic pain due to right cubital tunnel syndrome, respectively. DIAGNOSES: Cubital tunnel syndrome was confirmed by nerve conduction study/electromyography. INTERVENTIONS: PRF stimulation of the right ulnar nerve was performed at the medial epicondyle level under the guidance of ultrasound. OUTCOMES: At the 2-week and 1-, 2-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up assessments after the PRF procedure, the pain of patient 1 was completely relieved. In patient 2, at the 2-week follow-up, the pain was completely relieved, and at the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up assessments, the NRS score was 1. No adverse effects were observed in either patient. LESSONS: PRF on the ulnar nerve seems to be a useful tool for treating neuropathic pain due to cubital tunnel syndrome.