This study examines the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation, a commonly utilized pain management procedure, in the population of patients with implanted hardware such as joint replacements.

This study provides further guidance for treatment of pain that was not relieved by the use of implantable hardware.

Our hypothesis was that implantable hardware would have no effect on the efficacy of the radiofrequency ablation procedure.

We saw no difference in pain reduction or in relief duration between patients with and patients without implantable hardware near the site of radiofrequency ablation.

Through this study, we have demonstrated that radiofrequency ablation is as effective in patients who have been previously treated with implantable hardware as it is in those without such hardware.

Further study is needed with a larger number of patients, but this study serves as a starting point for further research into this procedure to provide pain relief to a patient population that is lacking safe and effective options.