We have just read the study titled “Percutaneous pulsed radiofrequency ablation of articular nerves of the hip joint in patients with chronic hip pain refractory to conventional analgesics”,[1] and thank you for your valuable work. The term ‘pulsed radiofrequency ablation’ seems a bit confusing. Ablation is often used to create lesions at high temperatures. Pulsed radiofrequency, on the other hand, works at low temperatures without causing lesions. Heat is further minimized by limiting the electrode tip temperature to below 42 °C. Meanwhile, electric current and its so-called therapeutic effect are transmitted to the nerve.[2] Therefore, pulsed radiofrequency and radiofrequency ablation are completely different terms.
The statement "Prior to the block intervention, all patients consumed paracetamol 650 mg, tramadol 50 mg, and pregabalin 75 mg" is not understandable. We could not understand why all patients should use pregabalin before the procedure. For what purpose was pregabalin treatment given to patients with hip osteoarthritis, and does it affect the results of radiofrequency treatment?
“The needle was inserted by an anterolateral approach (Figure 1a), and the tip was placed at the site of the articular branches of femoral nerve (FN) below the anterior inferior iliac spine near the anterolateral margin of the hip joint between the 11 and 12 o’clock positions. The needle tip placement was confirmed with fluoroscopy (Figure 1b).” Figure 1b is incompatible with this statement. In Figure 1b, the needle tip is on the anteromedial margin of the hip, not on the anterolateral margin. We think that a more appropriate figure would be logical for physicians who will perform the procedure.[3,4]
To promote our understanding of your excellent research, we look forward to hearing from you regarding our submission. It will also be a good response for our colleagues who perform these procedures.