Actively Recruiting
Ultrasound Guided Transcutaneous Pulsed Radiofrequency for Cervical Radiculopathy
Led by Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital · Updated on 2026-05-13
32
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
77 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Cervical radiculopathy (CR) is a painful condition caused by irritation of the cervical nerve roots, often leading to neck, shoulder, and arm pain, sometimes with numbness or weakness. These symptoms can reduce quality of life and place a burden on healthcare systems. Current treatments, such as physical therapy, cervical traction, and medication, are often not fully effective. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) has shown benefits for nerve-related pain, but because it requires an invasive procedure, its use is limited. Transcutaneous pulsed radiofrequency (TCPRF) is a non-invasive version of PRF. It has shown promising results in animal studies and in clinical research for knee and shoulder conditions, but has not been tested for CR. Recent improvements in ultrasound allow more precise targeting of cervical nerve roots, making ultrasound-guided TCPRF a potentially safe and accessible treatment option. This pilot study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided TCPRF in patients with CR compared to a sham treatment. A total of 32 participants with CR lasting more than six weeks will be randomly assigned to either TCPRF or sham treatment. Both groups will receive 12 treatment sessions over four weeks, combined with a standard rehabilitation program. The main outcome is pain intensity measured by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes include neck-related disability, medication use, and any side effects.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Ultrasound Guided Transcutaneous Pulsed Radiofrequency for Cervical Radiculopathy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 20 and 75 years old.
- Clinical diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy with neck pain or numbness radiating to one arm following nerve patterns.
- Positive Spurling's test.
- Positive cervical distraction test.
- Symptoms lasting more than 6 weeks.
- Arm pain rated 4 or higher on a 10-point Numeric Rating Scale.
- MRI or CT confirming nerve root compression matching symptoms.
- Ability to provide written consent and follow study procedures.
You will not qualify if you...
- History of cervical spine surgery.
- Motor weakness in the affected limb.
- Neck pain without nerve root symptoms.
- Symptoms caused by shoulder, elbow, or wrist problems or other musculoskeletal diseases.
- Serious underlying conditions like tumor, infection, fracture, or myelopathy.
- Received epidural steroid injection or pulsed radiofrequency therapy in the past 6 months.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- History of epilepsy or having implanted electronic devices.
- Active infection or skin disease at the treatment site.
- Allergy to electrode patches.
- Inability to understand the study or provide written consent.
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital
Taipei, Taiwan
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
Y
Yu-Ting Lin, MD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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