Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Transcutaneous Radiofrequency in Postherpetic Neuralgia
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Erector Spinae Plane Block.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Postherpetic Neuralgia, Neuropathic Pain, Herpes Zoster. Basic parameters: 18 years — 80 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Which Is More Effective in the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia: Erector Spinae Plane Block or Transcutaneous Radiofrequency?
Overview
This observational study aims to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block and transcutaneous radiofrequency (RF) treatment in patients with postherpetic neuralgia. Pain intensity and neuropathic pain characteristics will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Self-Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS) score.
Detailed description
Postherpetic neuralgia is a challenging neuropathic pain condition that significantly affects quality of life. In routine clinical practice, patients are treated with either ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block or transcutaneous radiofrequency therapy based on clinician preference and experience.
This observational study includes patients who have already completed one of these treatments as part of standard care in the Algology Clinic. No randomization or modification of treatment plans was performed for research purposes. Patients will be divided into two cohorts according to the treatment they received. Treatment outcomes will be retrospectively evaluated and compared using VAS and S-LANSS scores before treatment, immediately after treatment, and at 1-month follow-up.
Interventions
- Procedure Erector Spinae Plane Block
1. Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block performed under sterile conditions as part of routine clinical care. After skin antisepsis, a 22-G spinal needle was advanced to the erector spinae plane at the level corresponding to the affected dermatome, and a total volume of 10 mL consisting of dexamethasone, bupivacaine, and normal saline was injected. Patients were observed post-procedure according to standard clinical practice. 2. Transcutaneous radiofrequency treatment applied adjacent to
Primary outcome measures
- VAS [Time frame: Baseline, post-procedure 1 month]
Secondary outcome measures (1)
- S-LANSS [Time frame: Baseline, post-procedure 1 month]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
Diagnosis of postherpetic neuralgia involving cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions
Age between 18 and 80 years
Persistent pain despite conservative treatment
Baseline VAS score > 5
Exclusion criteria
Ophthalmic or extremity postherpetic neuralgia
Allergy to local anesthetics
Pregnancy
Coagulopathy or use of antiplatelet therapy
Cognitive impairment preventing informed consent
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center
- Ayse Betul Acar — Ankara
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07400640 · ESP Block & Transcutaneous PRF