The Efficacy and Safety of Pulsed Radiofrequency Combined With Platelet-rich Plasma for Infraorbital Neuralgia

Infraorbital neuralgia (IONa) is one of a rare but devastating type of facial pain and lack of current consensus on the management. Previously, we have proved the efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) in treatment of IONa. However, refractory patients have not received more ideal treatment until now. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), as supraphysiological concentration of platelets, can provide prolonged neuropathic pain relief with almost no complications. To date, the efficacy of PRP combined with PRF in the treatment of IONa has not yet been proved. We will conduct this multicenter, prospective, observational, propensity score matching, cohort, and assessor-blinded study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRP combined with PRF in treating refractory IONa patients who were reluctant to receive destructive therapies.

Inclusion criteria

• Age between 18 to 75 years;
• Paroxysmal or persistent stabbing pain in the distribution area of the infraorbital nerve and positive response to diagnostic block (1 ml of 2% lidocaine) prior to treatment;
• NRS score≥7;
• Scheduled for PRF treatment for IONa；
• Signed informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Platelet count <105*109/L, ongoing anticoagulation therapy or antiplatelets treatment, coagulation disorders or bleeding disorders;
• Severe cardiopulmonary or hepatorenal dysfunction;
• Infection at the puncture site; .
• Neuralgia secondary to tissue damage around the infraorbital foramen from causes such as maxillary sinusitis or tumor;
• History of destructive treatments such as radiofrequency thermocoagulation, chemical ablation, infraorbital neurectomy, infraorbital nerve avulsion, etc;
• History of mental disorders；
• History of narcotic drug abuse;
• Unable to cooperation.