Safety and effectiveness of thermal radiofrequency applied to the musculocutaneous nerve for patients with spasticity.

Objective: Evaluate safety and effectiveness of thermal radiofrequency in the musculocutaneous nerve in patients with focal elbow flexor spasticity.

Design: Ambispective observational follow-up study. Patients with focal spasticity secondary to central nervous system injury with elbow flexor pattern who received thermal radiofrequency treatment in the musculocutaneous nerve between 2021 and 2023 were included.

Subjects: 12 patients.

Methods: Ultrasound-guided thermal radiofrequency was applied to the musculocutaneous nerve at 80°C for 90 s. Effectiveness was assessed prior to thermal radiofrequency and at 6 months using scales to measure pain (VAS), spasticity (MAS), disability (DAS), quality of life (SQol-6D), patient-perceived and physician-perceived satisfaction (PIG-C, PGA), and goal attainment (GAS). Elbow joint range of motion was evaluated via goniometry. Safety was evaluated by assessing side effects.

Results: Patients had statistically significant improvements in spasticity ( = 0.003), severe elbow flexion ( = 0.02), pain ( = 0.046), functioning ( < 0.05), and spasticity-related quality of life ( < 0.05 in three sections). Furthermore, treatment goals were attained. Patient- and physician-perceived clinical improvement was achieved. Regarding side effects, two patients had dysesthesia that was self-limiting, with maximum duration of 1 month.

Conclusion: Thermal radiofrequency in the musculocutaneous nerve can be a safe, effective treatment for patients with severe spasticity with an elbow flexor pattern.