Study summary
Radiosurgery led to fewer relapses than needle procedures
30%lower risk of pain coming back after radiosurgery
What was tested
A pooled comparison of stereotactic radiosurgery (focused radiation, such as Gamma Knife) and percutaneous rhizotomy (a needle procedure that injures the nerve) for people who cannot have open surgery.
What they found
- Rhizotomy gave more people immediate pain freedom.
- Radiosurgery cut the risk of relapse by about 30% and needed fewer repeat procedures.
- Radiosurgery also caused less facial numbness.
What it means
Both are reasonable when open surgery is not an option; the choice trades speed of relief for durability.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team.
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