NCT07400640

Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Transcutaneous Radiofrequency in Postherpetic Neuralgia

Which Is More Effective in the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia: Erector Spinae Plane Block or Transcutaneous Radiofrequency?

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Diskapi Teaching and Research Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 80 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Postherpetic Neuralgia
• Neuropathic Pain
• Herpes Zoster

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
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 the affected dermatome as part of routine clinical care. Adhesive surface electrodes were placed over the painful area, and pulsed electrical stimulation was delivered by the device for 10 minutes per session. The procedure was performed once weekly for two sessions, without any modification for research purposes.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-06-01
• Primary completion: 2026-06-01
• Completion: 2026-10-01
• First posted: 2026-02-10
• Last updated: 2026-02-25

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)