Ultrasound-guided transcutaneous pulsed radiofrequency for cervical nerve root pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot interventional study will compare true ultrasound-guided transcutaneous pulsed radiofrequency (TCPRF) with a sham device in adults aged 20–75 who have MRI/CT-confirmed cervical nerve root compression and at least 6 weeks of arm pain scoring 4/10 or higher. Treatments are delivered noninvasively with ultrasound guidance to target the affected cervical nerve root(s). Participants who meet clinical and imaging criteria will receive either active TCPRF or a sham procedure and will be followed for safety and pain outcomes. The trial will collect pain scores and adverse events to determine whether TCPRF provides meaningful symptom relief and is well tolerated.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 20 and 75 years old.
* Clinical diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy, defined by:

  1. Presence of neck pain or paresthesia radiating to the unilateral upper extremity with radicular and dermatomal pattern;
  2. Positive Spurling's test;
  3. Positive cervical distraction test
* Symptoms lasting for over 6 weeks
* Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for arm pain ≥ 4 out of 10
* MRI or CT-confirmed nerve root compression, corresponding to clinical symptoms.
* Able to provide written informed consent and comply with study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of cervical spine surgery.
* Motor deficit on involving limb
* Presence of axial neck pain without radicular symptoms
* Symptoms from shoulder, elbow, or wrist joint or other musculoskeletal co-morbidity such as rheumatologic disease or carpal tunnel syndrome
* Evidence of serious underlying pathology (e.g., tumor, infection, fracture, or myelopathy)
* Prior exposure to epidural steroid injection or pulsed radiofrequency therapy within the past 6 months
* Presence of pregnancy or breastfeeding.
* History of epilepsy or electronic devices implanted in the body
* Active infection or skin disease at the stimulator contact site
* Allergy to electrode patch
* Unable to understand the study protocol or provide written

Where it's running

• Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital
  Taipei, Taiwan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Yu-Ting Lin, MD
• Email: tim761208@hotmail.com
• Phone: 886-2-28332211

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Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.