Abstract
DREZ thermocoagulation of the spinal cord dorsal horns was performed on 17 patients with intractable pain after brachial plexus avulsion. Good results were achieved in 59% of subjects, fair results in 35% of subjects and little or none effect in 6% of subjects.
Two patients were unsuccessful following the first operation. In the first case there was a mechanical destruction of dorsal horn in segment C6.
In the second patient with avulsion of C5-C8 we performed in the first operation DREZ theromocoagulation in segments C5-C7 (with respect to technical difficulties due to the large scar formation following revision of the spinal cord). In both patients during the second operation the DREZ thermocoagulation was performed in the whole range of avulsion.
With respect to the other technical conditions of the thermocoagulation (constant size of thermocoagulation lesion and an accurate placement of radiofrequency electrode) the success of DREZ thermocoagulation is strictly dependent on the respect of the range of avulsion of dorsal roots.