Comparison of block and pulsed radiofrequency of the ganglion impar in coccygodynia

Background/aim: Ganglion impar blockis used for the treatment of chronic coccygodynia. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the ganglion impar is a promising novel technique. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the efficacy of the blockade and PRF of the ganglion impar.

Materials and methods: Thirty-nine consecutive patients diagnosed with coccygodynia and treated with a blockade or PRF of the ganglion impar were included in this retrospective study. We compared the ganglion impar block (GIB) group (n = 25) with the ganglion impar pulsed radiofrequency (GIPRF) group (n = 14) in terms of pain intensity and patient satisfaction. We applied a numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and a Likert scale (LS).

Results: The NPRS scores in both groups had improved significantly from baseline at 3 weeks and at 3 and 6 months. However, in the sixth month, pain levels in the GIPRF group remained good, but they had returned to almost initial levels in the GIB group. Correspondingly, there were significant differences between groups in NPRS and patient satisfaction scores at 6 months (P ˂ 0.05).

Conclusion: PRF neuromodulation provides significantly longer pain relief and reduces the risk of recurrence of pain in chronic coccygodynia as compared with blockade of the impar ganglion.