Cervical Radicular PainNCT07744438
45 V vs 60 V Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Cervical Dorsal Root Ganglion for Cervical Radicular Pain
A study testing 45 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency and 60 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency in people with Cervical Radicular Pain, run by Ankara Etlik City Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of 45 V and 60 V pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) applied to the cervical dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in patients with cervical radicular pain. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Cervical Radicular Pain
- What is being tested?
- 45 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency and 60 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 58 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 29 Jul 2026to 1 Mar 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Unilateral cervical radicular pain consistent with cervical disc herniation.
- Pain intensity of ≥6 on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).
- Radicular pain persisting for at least 3 months.
- MRI evidence of lower cervical nerve root compression consistent with clinical findings.
- Inadequate response to conservative treatment, including analgesic medications and physical therapy.
- Completion of cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment.
Who cannot join
- Bilateral upper extremity pain or predominant axial neck pain.
- Cervical spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, cervical myelopathy, or other structural spinal disorders causing radicular pain.
- Previous cervical spine surgery at the target level.
- Cognitive impairment preventing reliable outcome assessment.
- Active local or systemic infection.
- Coagulopathy or inability to discontinue anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy for the procedure.
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- Severe hepatic or renal failure.
- Pregnancy.
- Unstable psychiatric disorders.
- Any condition that could interfere with completion of follow-up evaluations.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Ankara Etlik City Hospital
Ankara
Gokhan Yildiz, 5059272589 ext. TR, gkoyldz@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Does Higher Voltage Improve Outcomes in Cervical Radicular Pain? A Comparison of 45 V and 60 V Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Cervical Dorsal Root Ganglion
This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of 45 V and 60 V pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) applied to the cervical dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in patients with cervical radicular pain. Treatment efficacy will be evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain intensity and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) for functional disability. Procedure-related adverse events will also be compared to assess the safety of both voltage settings.
Read the detailed description
Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) applied to the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is a well-established minimally invasive treatment for patients with cervical radicular pain who do not respond adequately to conservative management. Although PRF has demonstrated favorable efficacy and safety, the optimal procedural parameters, particularly the applied voltage, remain uncertain. Previous studies have reported conflicting findings regarding the influence of voltage on treatment outcomes, with some suggesting improved long-term pain relief with higher voltages, while others have associated lower voltage settings with better clinical results. More recent evidence has shown favorable outcomes with higher-voltage PRF in cervical radicular pain; however, direct comparisons between commonly used voltage settings, such as 45 V and 60 V, are lacking.
The primary aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of 45 V and 60 V PRF applied to the cervical DRG in patients with cervical radicular pain using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary aims include comparing functional outcomes using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and evaluating the safety of both treatment protocols by comparing the incidence of procedure-related adverse events.
Patients who have undergone cervical DRG PRF for cervical radicular pain and completed their treatment will be evaluated according to the voltage applied during the procedure (45 V or 60 V). Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and functional disability will be evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) before treatment and at 3 and 6 months after the procedure. In addition to between-group comparisons, changes from baseline within each group will also be analyzed. Procedure-related adverse events will be recorded throughout the follow-up period.
- Conditions
- Cervical Radicular Pain
- Being tested
- 45 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency, 60 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency
- Keywords
- Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment, Dorsal Root Ganglion, Voltage, Neck Disability Index
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
45 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequencyProcedure or surgery
After standard hemodynamic monitoring, the patient was placed in the supine position, and the cervical region was prepared using sterile technique. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the target cervical neural foramen was identified in anteroposterior and lateral views. Following local infiltration with 2 mL of 1% lidocaine, a radiofrequency cannula was advanced to the target cervical dorsal root ganglion. Correct needle placement was confirmed fluoroscopically and by sensory stimulation, which elicited concordant paresthesia in the corresponding dermatome. Pulsed radiofrequency was then applied for 240 seconds at a maximum temperature of 42°C using a voltage of 45 V. After completion of the procedure, the cannula was removed, a sterile dressing was applied, and patients were observed for 60 minutes before discharge.
60 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequencyProcedure or surgery
After standard hemodynamic monitoring, the patient was placed in the supine position, and the cervical region was prepared using sterile technique. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the target cervical neural foramen was identified in anteroposterior and lateral views. Following local infiltration with 2 mL of 1% lidocaine, a radiofrequency cannula was advanced to the target cervical dorsal root ganglion. Correct needle placement was confirmed fluoroscopically and by sensory stimulation, which elicited concordant paresthesia in the corresponding dermatome. Pulsed radiofrequency was then applied for 240 seconds at a maximum temperature of 42°C using a voltage of 60 V. After completion of the procedure, the cannula was removed, a sterile dressing was applied, and patients were observed for 60 minutes before discharge.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| 45 V cervical DRG pulsed radiofrequency group | Active comparator | 45 V pulsed radiofrequency applied to the cervical dorsal root ganglion for the treatment of cervical radicular pain. Receives: Procedure: 45 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency |
| 60 V cervical DRG pulsed radiofrequency group | Active comparator | 60 V pulsed radiofrequency applied to the cervical dorsal root ganglion for the treatment of cervical radicular pain. Receives: Procedure: 60 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numerical rating scale (NRS)
NRS is a scale that can be used measuring pain. Scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (the worst pain)
Measured: Change from baseline to post-treatment at 3 and 6 months.
Secondary outcomes (1)
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
NDI is a validated questionnaire used to assess functional disability associated with neck pain. Scores range from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating greater disability.
Measured: Change from baseline to post-treatment at 3 and 6 months.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Aug 2026
- Study start29 Jul 2026
- Primary completion26 Feb 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Mar 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Cervical Radicular PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Ankara Etlik City HospitalThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 58 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ankara Etlik City Hospital
- Sponsor type
- Other government
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Gökhan Yıldız, Ankara Etlik City Hospital
- Investigators
- Gokhan Yildiz, Principal investigator, Ankara Etlik City Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07744438
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Cervical DRG PRF 45V vs 60V
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 29 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 4 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 4 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Does Higher Voltage Improve Outcomes in Cervical Radicular Pain? A Comparison of 45 V and 60 V Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Cervical Dorsal Root Ganglion
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07744438
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Cervical DRG PRF 45V vs 60V
- Conditions
- Cervical Radicular Pain
- Keywords
- Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment, Dorsal Root Ganglion, Voltage, Neck Disability Index
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 58 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Ankara Etlik City HospitalOther government
- Study start
- 29 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 26 Feb 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 4 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of 45 V and 60 V pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) applied to the cervical dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in patients with cervical radicular pain. Treatment efficacy will be evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain intensity and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) for functional disability. Procedure-related adverse events will also be compared to assess the safety of both voltage settings.
Detailed description
Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) applied to the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is a well-established minimally invasive treatment for patients with cervical radicular pain who do not respond adequately to conservative management. Although PRF has demonstrated favorable efficacy and safety, the optimal procedural parameters, particularly the applied voltage, remain uncertain. Previous studies have reported conflicting findings regarding the influence of voltage on treatment outcomes, with some suggesting improved long-term pain relief with higher voltages, while others have associated lower voltage settings with better clinical results. More recent evidence has shown favorable outcomes with higher-voltage PRF in cervical radicular pain; however, direct comparisons between commonly used voltage settings, such as 45 V and 60 V, are lacking.
The primary aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of 45 V and 60 V PRF applied to the cervical DRG in patients with cervical radicular pain using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary aims include comparing functional outcomes using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and evaluating the safety of both treatment protocols by comparing the incidence of procedure-related adverse events.
Patients who have undergone cervical DRG PRF for cervical radicular pain and completed their treatment will be evaluated according to the voltage applied during the procedure (45 V or 60 V). Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and functional disability will be evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) before treatment and at 3 and 6 months after the procedure. In addition to between-group comparisons, changes from baseline within each group will also be analyzed. Procedure-related adverse events will be recorded throughout the follow-up period.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| 45 V cervical DRG pulsed radiofrequency group | Active comparator | Procedure: 45 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency45 V pulsed radiofrequency applied to the cervical dorsal root ganglion for the treatment of cervical radicular pain. |
| 60 V cervical DRG pulsed radiofrequency group | Active comparator | Procedure: 60 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency60 V pulsed radiofrequency applied to the cervical dorsal root ganglion for the treatment of cervical radicular pain. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Unilateral cervical radicular pain consistent with cervical disc herniation.
- Pain intensity of ≥6 on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).
- Radicular pain persisting for at least 3 months.
- MRI evidence of lower cervical nerve root compression consistent with clinical findings.
- Inadequate response to conservative treatment, including analgesic medications and physical therapy.
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Bilateral upper extremity pain or predominant axial neck pain.
- Cervical spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, cervical myelopathy, or other structural spinal disorders causing radicular pain.
- Previous cervical spine surgery at the target level.
- Cognitive impairment preventing reliable outcome assessment.
- Active local or systemic infection.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| 45 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequencyAfter standard hemodynamic monitoring, the patient was placed in the supine position, and the cervical region was prepared using sterile technique. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the target cervical neural foramen was identified in anteroposterior and lateral views. Following local infiltration with 2 mL of 1% lidocaine, a radiofrequency cannula was advanced to the target cervical dorsal root ganglion. Correct needle placement was confirmed fluoroscopically and by sensory stimulation, which elicited concordant paresthesia in the corresponding dermatome. Pulsed radiofrequency was then applied for 240 seconds at a maximum temperature of 42°C using a voltage of 45 V. After completion of the procedure, the cannula was removed, a sterile dressing was applied, and patients were observed for 60 minutes before discharge. | Procedure or surgery | 45 V cervical DRG pulsed radiofrequency group |
| 60 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequencyAfter standard hemodynamic monitoring, the patient was placed in the supine position, and the cervical region was prepared using sterile technique. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the target cervical neural foramen was identified in anteroposterior and lateral views. Following local infiltration with 2 mL of 1% lidocaine, a radiofrequency cannula was advanced to the target cervical dorsal root ganglion. Correct needle placement was confirmed fluoroscopically and by sensory stimulation, which elicited concordant paresthesia in the corresponding dermatome. Pulsed radiofrequency was then applied for 240 seconds at a maximum temperature of 42°C using a voltage of 60 V. After completion of the procedure, the cannula was removed, a sterile dressing was applied, and patients were observed for 60 minutes before discharge. | Procedure or surgery | 60 V cervical DRG pulsed radiofrequency group |
Primary outcome
Numerical rating scale (NRS)
Time frame: Change from baseline to post-treatment at 3 and 6 months.
NRS is a scale that can be used measuring pain. Scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (the worst pain)
1 secondary outcome
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Time frame: Change from baseline to post-treatment at 3 and 6 months.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 4 Aug 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Gokhan Yildiz principal investigator
Ankara Etlik City Hospital
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing 45 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency and 60 V cervical dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency in people with Cervical Radicular Pain, run by Ankara Etlik City Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Gokhan Yildiz (5059272589 ext. TR, gkoyldz@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numerical rating scale (NRS) (time frame: Change from baseline to post-treatment at 3 and 6 months.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 Aug 2026.