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Incidence, Diagnosis, and Management of Neuromas Following Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment: a Narrative Review

  • Neuropathic Pain (AA Abd-Elsayed, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Objective

To determine the epidemiology of neuroma formation as a complication following radiofrequency ablation for chronic pain conditions as well as reviewing the diagnosis and management of neuromas.

Design

Evidence-based narrative review and critical appraisal of literature.

Results

A comprehensive review of the literature generated one case report describing neuroma formation following lumbar facet medial branch radiofrequency denervation. The rare incidence may be explained by neuroma pathophysiology and peripheral nerve injury produced by radiofrequency ablation, in combination with its asymptomatic nature. Diagnosis of neuromas is predominantly confirmed by clinical history and physical exam with potential for nerve blocks or imaging. Ultrasound has been suggested as a primary imaging modality with magnetic resonance imaging as a secondary option. Neuroma management ranges from conservative therapy to surgery with varying success rates.

Conclusions

Neuroma formation following radiofrequency ablation procedures is exceedingly rare and could be a hypothetical concern in clinical practice. However, the true incidence may be inaccurate given the asymptomatic nature of neuromas.

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Funding

Shapiro summer program funded by UW-Madison.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anesthesiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue, B6/319 CSC, Madison, WI, USA

    Sydney Schmidt & Alaa Abd-Elsayed

  2. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Jay Karri

  3. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, USA

    Mani Singh

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Correspondence to Alaa Abd-Elsayed.

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Conflict of Interest

Mani Singh and Jay Karri declare no conflict of interest. Alaa Abd-Elsayed is a consultant for Medtronic, StimWave, and Avanos. Sydney Schmidt reports grants from UW SMPH SHAPIRO PROGRAM, during the conduct of the study.

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Schmidt, S., Karri, J., Singh, M. et al. Incidence, Diagnosis, and Management of Neuromas Following Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment: a Narrative Review. Curr Pain Headache Rep 25, 45 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-021-00964-1

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