Radiofrequency techniques: Complications and troubleshooting

Abstract

Radiofrequency (RF) is a minimally invasive, target-selective technique that has demonstrated success in reducing pain in several chronic pain conditions. The lack of standard continuous RF ablation protocols for specific targets makes it difficult to compare the percentage of complications of RF between different studies addressing the same pain syndrome. The present article reviews the most frequent complications associated with the most widely used percutaneous continuous RF techniques in pain treatment, and the strategies used to minimize such complications.