MedTrace Logo

Ultrasound Guided Transcutaneous Pulsed Radiofrequency for Cervical Radiculopathy

NCT07207356 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 32

Last updated 2026-05-13

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

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

  • Cervical Radiculopathy

Interventions

DEVICE

true transcutaneous pulsed radiofrequency

participants will receive ultrasound guidance to localize the target cervical nerve root (e.g., C5-C7) before treatment. A high-frequency linear transducer will be used with the patient in a sitting position. Transcutaneous pulsed radiofrequency (TCPRF) will be applied using the StimOn™ Pain Relief System (GM2439, Gimer Medical Co., Ltd, Taiwan; FDA 510(k) No. K213802). The device delivers a 500-kHz symmetric biphasic sine wave at 2 Hz with a 25-ms pulse. Each session lasts 30 minutes, divided into two 15-minute phases, with treatment administered 3 times per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions in total).

DEVICE

Sham device

participants will receive ultrasound guidance to localize the target cervical nerve root (e.g., C5-C7) before treatment. A high-frequency linear transducer will be used with the patient in a sitting position. Sham device will be applied. No active current will be delivered. Each session lasts 30 minutes, divided into two 15-minute phases, with treatment administered 3 times per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions in total).

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
20 Years
Max Age
75 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-11-01
Primary Completion
2027-04-30
Completion
2027-04-30

Countries

  • Taiwan

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07207356 on ClinicalTrials.gov