Anatomic examination of human dorsal root entry zone lesions.

The anatomic delineation of radiofrequency dorsal root entry zone lesions using the Nashold thermocouple electrode is presented. The sharply delineated lesions involve a major portion of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord including Rexed's lamina V and part of VI. The extent of these lesions is appropriate, based on the currently understood mechanisms of spinal generators of chronic deafferentation pain.