Ultrasound-Guided Lateral Pectoral Nerve Pulsed Radiofrequency in a Patient With Refractory Pectoral Pain: A Case Report of a Novel Approach

Abstract

The lateral pectoral nerve is often injured along with the brachial plexus, but its isolated lesions are rare. We report a clinical case of an isolated lateral pectoral nerve injury, presenting as a refractory right shoulder and pectoral pain, determining functional repercussion. After clinical assessment and imaging investigation, it was considered that the pain source was likely to be a lateral pectoral nerve mononeuropathy. Thus, a diagnostic ultrasound-guided nerve block was performed, with a major improvement in the patient's symptoms and functionality for two months. Thereafter, a long-lasting alternative was proposed -pulsed radiofrequency. As a form of neuromodulation, pulsed radiofrequency offers pain control without tissue damage or painful sequelae, which is usually associated with conventional radiofrequency.