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P030 Unmasking xiphodynia: a case of post-traumatic sternal pain managed with bipolar pulsed radiofrequency

rapm · 2025-09-10 · canonical JSON source

6 visible annotations · policy: published · automated confidence ≥ 75.00%

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Please confirm that an ethics committee approval has been applied for or granted: Yes: I’m uploading the Ethics Committee Approval as a PDF file with this abstract submissionBackground and Aims Xiphodynia is a rare and often misdiagnosed musculoskeletal condition that presents with anterior chest pain, frequently mistaken for cardiac or gastrointestinal disorders. This case aims to highlight the diagnostic challenge of xiphodynia and evaluate the efficacy of bipolar pulsed radiofrequency (pRF) as a treatment option in refractory cases.Methods We present a 32-year-old male with chronic sternal pain following a motorcycle accident. Conservative treatments, including oral analgesics, lidocaine patches, and corticosteroid injections, provided only transient relief. Clinical examination revealed localized tenderness over the xiphoid process. Bipolar pRF was performed under ultrasound guidance, with transversely positioned needles and six minutes of stimulation.Results At one month post-procedure, the patient reported substantial pain relief, reduced breakthrough pain, and pain-free intervals. No rescue medication was required. At six months, a slight increase in pain was noted, mainly at night and during periods of stress, which responded well to oral analgesics. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores decreased from an average of 8/10 pre-procedure to 3/10 at one month and 5/10 at six months.Abstract P030 Figure 1Bipolar pulsed radiofrequency para-xiphoidConclusions This case underscores the importance of including xiphodynia in the differential diagnosis of anterior chest pain, especially after trauma. Clinical recognition through palpation and exclusion of other causes is essential. Bipolar pRF may be a safe and effective therapeutic option for patients unresponsive to conservative management, offering sustained symptom relief and improved quality of life.