Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Injections; A Single Center Fluoroscopic Validation Study

A comparison between transforaminal lumbar epidural injection performed under picture archiving and communication systems-based magnetic resonance imaging planning and injection under immediate X-ray guidance

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to compare the treatment cost, operation time, clinical effect, and complications between punctures done under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) planning based on picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) and punctures done under immediate X-ray fluoroscopy guidance in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation by transforaminal lumbar epidural injection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this prospective study conducted between October 2016 and June 2021, 128 patients were randomly divided into Groups A and B by the random number table method. In Group A (n=66; 36 males, 30 females; mean age: 64.5±2.4 years, range, 50 to 72 years), puncture was performed by planning with PACS-based MRI; in Group B (n=62; 34 males, 28 females; mean age: 65.3±2.6 years; range, 48 to 73 years), puncture was performed under immediate X-ray guidance. The cost of treatment, duration of procedure, clinical outcome, and complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The difference in treatment cost in Groups A and B was statistically significant (p<0.001), with 755.67±29.45 yuan and 1.158.08±43.92 yuan, respectively. The mean treatment time was statistically significant (p<0.001) between the groups, with 21.16±1.91 min in Group A and 37.26±2 min in Group B. However, there was no significant difference between Group A and Group B in terms of improvement in pain scores and Oswestry disability index (both p>0.05). There was also no significant difference between Group A and Group B in terms of complication rates (both p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared to immediate X-ray guided puncture, the puncture method using PACS for MRI planning shortened the transforaminal lumbar epidural injection procedure time and reduced the treatment costs without exposing the physician or patient to additional radiation, while there was no significant difference in the short-term clinical outcome or complication rate.

Accuracy of Ultrasound-Guided Needle Placement on the L5 Lumbar Nerve Root: A Cadaveric Study

OBJECTIVES

The aims of the study are to analyze and describe the accuracy of an ultrasound-guided approach to target the L5 root in cadaveric specimens and evaluate whether gender differences exist.

DESIGN

A cross-anatomical study on 40 cadaver L5 nerve roots was performed. A needle was introduced until contacting the L5 nerve root using ultrasound guidance. After that, specimens were frozen and studied by a cross-anatomical view to see the needle's path. The angulation, length, distance from the vertebral spine, the relevant ultrasound anatomical references, and the accuracy of the procedure were evaluated.

RESULTS

The needle tip reached the L5 root at a 72.5% rate. The mean angulation degrees of the needle relative to the skin surface were 75.53 ± 10.17 degrees, the length of the needle inserted was 5.83 ± 0.82 cm, and the distance from the vertebral spine to the point of entry of the needle was 5.39 ± 1.44 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

An ultrasound-guided technique can potentially be an accurate technique to perform invasive procedures on the L5 root. There were statistically significant differences between males and females in the length of the needle introduced. If the L5 root is not clearly visualized, ultrasound will not be the technique of choice.

Ultrasound-Guided vs. Fluoroscopy-Guided Interventions for Back Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of the ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided techniques in the management of back pain. Using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, we searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before May 2023, which reported relevant data on the topic. The effectiveness of the ultrasound-guided (US-guided) and fluoroscopy-guided (FL-guided) approaches for back pain management was compared in terms of postoperative pain intensity, postoperative functional outcomes, and postoperative complications. Subgroup analyses were conducted for different postoperative periods. Eight studies were included in the analysis. There was no significant difference in post-procedural pain relief at one week, two weeks, one month, two months, and three months between the US-guided and FL-guided interventions for back pain management (SMD with 95% CI is -0.01 [-0.11, 0.10]), p = 0.91, I2 = 0%). In terms of the postoperative functional outcomes assessed by the "Oswestry Disability Index" (ODI) functionality score, the model tends to favor the FL-guided injections over the US-guided injections (SMD with 95% CI: 0.13 [-0.00, 0.25], p = 0.05, I2 = 0). Finally, the US-guided and FL-guided injections did not show significantly different results in terms of postoperative complications (RR with 95% CI is 0.99 [0.49, 1.99], p = 0.97, I2 = 0). The subgroup analysis also did not demonstrate differences between the US-guided and FL-guided techniques in the following outcomes: vasovagal reaction, transient headache, and facial flushing. There was no significant difference between the US-guided and FL-guided injections for treating back pain in terms of postoperative pain intensity and complications. Still, the model tends to favor the FL-guided injections over the US-guided injections in terms of functionality.

Ultrasound-guided transforaminal epidural injection with fluoroscopy confirmation for the treatment of unilateral lumbar radiculopathy: A randomized controlled non-inferiority study

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound (US)-guided injections for chronic pain has multiple advantages over traditional radiologic method. The study was performed to exam the clinical outcomes of lumbar transforaminal epidural injection (LTFEI) between US and fluoroscopy (FL) guidance for lumbar radiculopathy (LRP).

METHODS

A total of 164 patients with LRP were randomly assigned into US and FL group to receive LTFEI in a 1:1 ratio. Pain relief and functional disability were assessed by numeric rating scale (NRS) and Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ) scores before treatment, 1 month and 3 months post-intervention. Contrast spread pattern, fluoroscopic image number and complications were also recorded. The primary outcome was accurate rate of contrast dispersing into lumbar epidural space, and non-inferiority margin was predefined at -15 %.

RESULTS

The accuracy of LTFEI was 90.2 % and 91.5 % in US and FL group, and the lower limit of the 95 %CI of mean difference between two modalities (-4.9 % (95 %CI: -12.8 %, 3.1 %)) was above the non-inferiority margin. Procedure time in US group (531.90 ± 67.12 s) was shorter than FL group (904.20 ± 120.20 s) (p < 0.05), while radiation dosage in the US group was lower than in the FL group (3047.20 ± 569.53 vs. 8807.50 ± 1039.10 μGy m², p < 0.001). Both groups didn't differ in pain reduction (F = 1.050, p = 0.306) and functional improvement (F = 0.103, p = 0.749) during follow-up period. No severe complications occurred in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

US-guided LTFEI confirmed by FL was not inferior to conventional FL method in terms of accurate rate of lumbar epidural contrast dispersion. Effective pain relief and functional ability improvement were comparable between two modalities, and US technique had advantages of less radiation exposure and possible facilitation of avoiding critical vessels around intervertebral foramen.

Virtual reality simulator's effectiveness on the spine procedure education for trainee: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, virtual simulation has emerged as an alternative to traditional teaching methods as it can be employed within the recently established contact-minimizing guidelines. This prospective education study aimed to develop a virtual reality simulator for a lumbar transforaminal epidural block (LTFEB) and demonstrate its efficacy.

METHODS

We developed a virtual reality simulator using patient image data processing, virtual X-ray generation, spatial registration, and virtual reality technology. For a realistic virtual environment, a procedure room, surgical table, C-arm, and monitor were created. Using the virtual C-arm, the X-ray images of the patient's anatomy, the needle, and indicator were obtained in real-time. After the simulation, the trainees could receive feedback by adjusting the visibility of structures such as skin and bones. The training of LTFEB using the simulator was evaluated using 20 inexperienced trainees. The trainees' procedural time, rating score, number of C-arm taken, and overall satisfaction were recorded as primary outcomes.

RESULTS

The group using the simulator showed a higher global rating score (P = 0.014), reduced procedural time (P = 0.025), reduced number of C-arm uses (P = 0.001), and higher overall satisfaction score (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

We created an accessible and effective virtual reality simulator that can be used to teach inexperienced trainees LTFEB without radiation exposure. The results of this study indicate that the proposed simulator will prove to be a useful aid for teaching LTFEB.

Measurement of S1 foramen depth for ultrasound-guided S1 transforaminal epidural injection

Background

Ultrasound-guided first sacral transforaminal epidural steroid injection (S1 TFESI) is a useful and easily applicable alternative to fluoroscopy or computed tomography (CT) in lumbosacral radiculopathy. When a needle approach is used, poor visualization of the needle tip reduces the accuracy of the procedure, increasing its difficulty. This study aimed to improve ultrasound-guided S1 TFESI by evaluating radiological S1 posterior foramen data obtained using three-dimensional CT (3D-CT).

Methods

Axial 3D-CT images of the pelvis were retrospectively analyzed. The radiological measurements obtained from the images included 1st posterior sacral foramen depth (S1D, mm), 1st posterior sacral foramen width (S1W, mm), the angle of the 1st posterior sacral foramen (S1A, °), and 1st posterior sacral foramen distance (S1ds, mm). The relationship between the demographic factors and measured values were then analyzed.

Results

A total of 632 patients (287 male and 345 female) were examined. The mean S1D values for males and females were 11.9 ± 1.9 mm and 10.6 ± 1.8 mm, respectively (P < 0.001); the mean S1A 28.2 ± 4.8° and 30.1 ± 4.9°, respectively (P < 0.001); and the mean S1ds, 24.1 ± 2.9 mm and 22.9 ± 2.6 mm, respectively (P < 0.001); however, the mean S1W values were not significantly different. Height was the only significant predictor of S1D (β = 0.318, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided S1 TFESI performance and safety may be improved with adjustment of needle insertion depth congruent with the patient's height.

Analgesic effect of epidural anesthesia via the intervertebral foramen approach in percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Satisfactory intraoperative analgesia is critical for percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED). Local anesthesia (LA) and epidural anesthesia (EA) are recommended for PTED. LA alone does not achieve satisfactory pain management during PTED and other analgesics or sedatives are usually needed. Traditional EA, which involves implanting an epidural catheter through the midline or paramedian, has disadvantages such as difficulty in catheterization and increased preoperative preparation time. Rather than performing conventional EA, we injected local anesthetics through the intervertebral foramen during the puncture process, which we termed lumbar transforaminal EA (LTEA), and observed its feasibility and safety. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive comparison of differences in analgesia between LA and LTEA in patients with PTED.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent PTED between January 2018 and January 2021. Patients were divided into LA and LTEA groups. Data obtained from the electronic medical records included primary outcomes (visual analog scale [VAS] scores and anesthesia satisfaction rate) and secondary outcomes, including vital signs such as heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), total dosage of fentanyl, operation time, X-ray exposure time, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, and complications.

RESULTS

In total, 160 patients (80 in each group) were analyzed in this study. The VAS scores for lumbar and leg pain were significantly lower in the LTEA group than in the LA group (P < 0.0001). The anesthesia satisfaction rate was 90.0% in the LTEA group and 72.5% in the LA group (P < 0.005). MAP and HR values in the LTEA group were significantly lower than those in the LA group (P < 0.05). The total dose of fentanyl in the LTEA group was significantly lower than that in the LA group (P < 0.05). As for ODI values, the average operation time, X-ray exposure time, and incidence of complications were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

LTEA simplifies the process of EA and can achieve a good analgesic effect intraoperatively without increasing the preoperative preparation time; thus, it may be adopted as an alternative mode of anesthesia during PTED surgery.

Ultrasound Demonstrates Potential in Identify Proximal Femoral Morphology Before and After Cam Resection: A Cadaveric Study

PURPOSE

(1) To compare alpha angles measured on fluoroscopy with those measured on ultrasound pre- and postosteoplasty and (2) to determine whether ultrasound can adequately assess cam deformity correction.

METHODS

Twelve full-body specimens (20 hips) were analyzed. Images using fluoroscopy and ultrasound were captured of the operative hip with the hip in 6 consistent positions: 3 views in hip extension (neutral [N], 30° internal rotation [IR], and 30° external rotation [ER]) and 3 views in hip flexion of 50° (neutral [F-N], 40° external rotation [F-ER40], and 60° external rotation [F-ER60]). A curved-array ultrasound transducer probe was used with the transducer placed in line with the femoral neck to evaluate the proximal femoral morphology. An open femoral osteoplasty using an anterior approach was performed. Fluoroscopy and ultrasound were again used to capture images with the hip in the same 6 positions. Bland-Altman plots were used to determine whether fluoroscopic and ultrasound alpha angles agreed at each position. Independent t-tests were used to compare the alpha angles between the 2 modalities at each position, and paired t-tests were used to compare preoperative and postoperative alpha angles at each position.

RESULTS

No significant differences between the alpha angle on fluoroscopy and ultrasound at all 6 positions were appreciated preosteoplasty. The mean preoperative alpha angle on ultrasound in each position was as follows: N (55.4° ± 5.9° vs 43.0° ± 2.1°), IR (55.1° ± 5.3° vs 43.9° ± 5.5°), ER (58.6° ± 5.6° vs 42.8° ± 3.0°), F-N (53.9° ± 5.5° vs 41.6° ± 3.3°), F-ER40 (55.5° ± 4.6° vs 41.5° ± 2.7°), and F-ER60 (57.9° ± 6.5° vs 41.2° ± 4.2°). The mean preoperative and postoperative alpha angle on fluoroscopy in each position were as follows: N (56.0 ± 12.8° vs 43.1 ± 2.1°), IR (54.1 ± 13.4° vs 41.9 ± 2.9°), ER (61.2 ± 11.0° vs 44.2 ± 1.9°), F-N (57.9 ± 10.6° vs 44.0 ± 2.3°), F-ER40 (59 ± 8.2° vs 42 ± 2.2°), and F-ER60 (55 ± 7.6° vs 41.1 ± 2.6°). Postosteoplasty, there was no significant difference between the mean alpha angle on fluoroscopy versus ultrasound in any position except F-N (44.0 ± 2.3 vs 41.6 ± 3.3, P = .015). Bland-Altman plots showed a high level of agreement between alpha angle values on fluoroscopy and ultrasound at all positions pre- and postosteoplasty. There was a significant reduction in alpha angle measured on ultrasound and fluoroscopy at each position following osteoplasty. There were no significant differences in the delta of the pre- and postosteoplasty alpha angle measurements between fluoroscopy and ultrasound.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound is a useful tool for assessing a cam deformity in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and for determining adequate resection of a cam deformity intraoperatively.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Due to the inherent limitations and risks of the fluoroscopy, it is worth evaluating other nonionizing imaging modalities. Ultrasound has potential to be an accessible, cost-effective, and safe imaging modality that lacks radiation and is commonly used for intra-articular hip injections and dynamic examination of the hip.

Ultrasound Can Determine Joint Distraction During Hip Arthroscopy but Fluoroscopic-Guided Portal Placement Is Superior

Purpose

To compare joint distraction measured on ultrasound (US) with joint space width (JSW) measured on fluoroscopy in hip arthroscopy and to determine whether ultrasound guidance is as safe and effective as fluoroscopy, the current gold standard, for establishing arthroscopic portals.

Methods

Cadaveric whole-body specimens were positioned supine and subjected to 60 lbs. of unilateral axial traction using a distal femoral Steinman pin. Joint distraction was measured via JSW on fluoroscopic and ultrasound images. A single, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon established anterolateral arthroscopy portals via ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance in a randomized sequence. Total procedure time, number of times the spinal needle pierced the capsule, and iatrogenic chondral or labral injury were recorded.

Results

Twelve full-body specimens (20 hips) underwent distraction, and 17 hips underwent portal placement with fluoroscopic (n = 8) or ultrasound (n = 9) guidance. JSW measured on ultrasound was significantly less laterally (13.0 vs 9.2 mm, P < .001), apically (16.7 vs 9.2 mm, P < .001), and medially (17.9 vs 9.2 mm, P < .001). Successful portal entry was achieved in every specimen. Average procedure time was 133 ± 51 seconds for the fluoroscopy group and 371 ± 260 seconds for the ultrasound group (P = .026). Fluoroscopic guidance required significantly less needle insertion attempts at 1.13 compared with 3.33 attempts for ultrasound (P = .022). Labral damage was greater in the ultrasound group at 66.67% compared with 12.50% for fluoroscopy (P = .0497).

Conclusions

Joint distraction measured on ultrasound can be used to subjectively determine if the joint is adequately distracted in hip arthroscopy. Ultrasound-guided portal placement was associated with more needle insertion attempts, iatrogenic injury of the labrum, and overall procedure time in comparison to fluoroscopic guidance.

Clinical Relevance

Fluoroscopy is the gold standard to confirm adequate joint distraction, aid in establishing arthroscopy portals, and evaluate resection of the femoral head during hip arthroscopy but exposes the patient to ionizing radiation, requires additional operators in the operating room, and involves the need for a heavy lead shield. Alternatives to fluoroscopy are needed, but ultrasound has not proven superior in our cadaveric model.

Ultrasound and nerve stimulator guidance lumbar transforaminal epidural block for the treatment of patients with lumbosacral radicular pain

Transforaminal epidural block (TEB) is a widely accepted technique and minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of lumbosacral radicular pain. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy, efficacy, and safety of ultrasound and nerve stimulator guidance lumbar transforaminal epidural block (UNTEB) for the patients with unilateral lower lumbar radicular pain. The accuracy of this method was evaluated by fluoroscopy. Using UNTEB via axial and the in-plane approach technique was performed in 42 segments of 25 patients who presented with lumbosacral radicular pain to lower extremities. The contrast medium was injected to evaluate the needle tip at the intervertebral foramen under fluoroscopic guidance. The numerical rating scale was used to assess pain before and after treatment. The success ratio of UNTEB in L3/L4 level was 100%, in L4/L5 was 95.4% and in L5/S1 was 100%. The numerical rating scale (NRS) for lumbosacral radicular pain improved from a mean from 7.8 to 2.8 1 day after procedure (p = 0.01) and from a mean from 7.8 to 2.4 1 week after UNTEB (p = 0.01). None of our subjects experienced any complications during and after the procedure. UNTEB with fluoroscopic validation is an accurate, effective, and safe method for short-term pain relief of the patients with unilateral lumbosacral radicular pain.

Technical Report of Color Doppler Ultrasonography-Assisted Lumbar Spinal Interventions

ABSTRACT

Ultrasonography (US) has recently been used more frequently during interventions involving the lumbar spine. However, physicians who are more familiar with musculoskeletal US targeting muscles, tendons, and nerves may find it challenging to perform US-guided lumbar spine interventions using only bony landmarks. This study described the use of color Doppler US for the visualization of the lumbar spinal blood supply to identify vascular landmarks in addition to bony landmarks and thus more easily and accurately perform lumbar spine interventions.

Epidural Steroid Injections for Low Back Pain: A Narrative Review

Low back pain represents a significant socioeconomic burden. Several nonsurgical medical treatments have been proposed for the treatment of this disabling condition. Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are commonly used to treat lumbosacral radicular pain and to avoid surgery. Even though it is still not clear which type of conservative intervention is superior, several studies have proved that ESIs are able to increase patients' quality of life, relieve lumbosacral radicular pain and finally, reduce or delay more invasive interventions, such as spinal surgery. The aim of this narrative review is to analyze the mechanism of action of ESIs in patients affected by low back pain and investigate their current application in treating this widespread pathology.

The Role of Diagnostic Injections in Spinal Disorders: A Narrative Review

Neck and back pain is increasingly prevalent, and has increased exponentially in recent years. As more resources are dedicated to the diagnosis of pain conditions, it is increasingly important that the diagnostic techniques used are as precise and accurate as possible. Traditional diagnostic methods rely heavily upon patient history and physical examination to determine the most appropriate treatments and/or imaging studies. Though traditional means of diagnosis remain a necessity, in many cases, correlation with positive or negative responses to injections may further enhance diagnostic specificity, and improve outcomes by preventing unnecessary treatments or surgeries. This narrative review aims to present the most recent literature describing the diagnostic validity of precision injections, as well as their impact on surgical planning and outcomes. Diagnostic injections are discussed in terms of facet arthropathy, lumbar radiculopathy, discogenic pain and discography, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of diagnostic local anesthetic injections or nerve blocks to aid in diagnosis. Spinal injections add valuable objective information that can potentially improve diagnostic precision, guide treatment strategies, and aid in patient selection for invasive surgical interventions.

Ultrasound-guided fluoroscopic-verified trans-foraminal lumbar dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency modulation for radicular pain relief: clinical and cadaveric evaluation of the technique

Background

Ultrasound-guided lumbar pain interventions were thought to be difficult; the high acoustic impedance of bone hides the underling structures and needle path. Reviewing the sonoanatomy of the lumbar region using different planes and angles made better sonographic guidance for spine injections. The aim of this prospective study is to assess the accuracy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided lumbar trans-foraminal pulsed radiofrequency of the dorsal root ganglion confirmed by fluoroscopic imaging in management of chronic radicular pain.

Results

Thirty-two patients, with 34 lumbar interventions, were included in the study. Thirty-one interventions out of 34 were performed successfully with overall accuracy of 91.18% and with minimal complications. The successful first trial placement of the cannula was calculated in 44.1% of interventions; multiple trials were needed in 47.1% while incorrect level was encountered in 8.8%. Visual analogue scale of pain and Oswestry Disability Index decreased significantly after intervention up to 3 months compared to the pre-intervention value. The analgesic consumption was reduced by mean of 73.44 ± 31.07% 1 month after intervention.

Conclusions

US-guided fluoroscopic-verified trans-foraminal PR of lumbar DRG is accurate, safe, and effective for CRP.

New ultrasound-guided techniques in chronic pain management: an update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The introduction of ultrasound guidance in interventional pain management leads to the development of new interventional pain management techniques. Ultrasound-guided (UG) interventional pain management is rapidly developing and increasingly more commonly used, due to its many advantages over traditional radiologic imaging modalities. This review will summarize recent literature around novel interventional pain techniques with ultrasound guidance published over the last 18 months.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many new interventional pain management methods have been described in the last few years in the literature. The use of ultrasonography in interventional pain management played a crucial role in these developments. This review includes newly described interventional methods in the literature. The review particularly focussed on the methods that are used to treat the pain in the hip, shoulder, knee, and lumbar area. These new techniques hold promise for significant improvements in the efficacy and safety of interventional pain management.

SUMMARY

There have been many innovations in UG interventional procedures, however, some of them require more rigorous validation before their widespread use.

Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Spine Injection for Axial and Radicular Pain: A Single Institution Early Experience

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical audit via retrospective review of a database.

PURPOSE

To report an early experience using ultrasound-guided lumbar spinal injection for axial and radicular pain in an Asian multiethnic cohort.

OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE

Ultrasound-guided spine injection therapy is a comparatively new technique in the management of axial and radicular pain from degenerative lumbar spinal conditions, which may be a reasonable alternative to conventional fluoroscopic or computed tomography-guided injection.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted, involving all patients who underwent ultrasound-guided lumbar spine injection therapy at a single institution over 1 year. Patients were evaluated by two interventionists, who then performed standardized ultrasound-guided lumbar facet joint and pararadicular spinal injections.

RESULTS

There were 42 patients treated at our Sports Medicine Centre; with 27 patients (64.3%) receiving facet joint injections and 18 patients (42.9%) receiving nerve root injections. The majority (90.5%) of patients experienced an improvement of >30% in pain intensity at 3 months post-injection, using the Numerical Rating Scale pain score (p<0.001); with 40 patients (95.2%) reporting a reduction in Oswestry Disability Index score (p<0.001). No complications were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Our initial experience confirms the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided lumbar spinal injection for the treatment of axial and radicular pain in an Asian multiethnic cohort.

[Lumbar transforaminal epidural block for treatment of low back pain with radicular pain]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of lumbar transforaminal epidural block (LTEB) for treatment of low back pain with radicular pain.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 78 patients with low back pain and radicular pain admitted to the Department of Orthopedics of Beijing Chuiyangliu Hospital from March, 2017 to April, 2019. Thirty-three of the patients received treatment with LTEB (LTEB group), and 45 received comprehensive conservative treatment including traction, massage, acupuncture and physiotherapy (control group). The demographic and clinical data of the two groups were compared. The patients were followed up for 3 to 24 months, and numerical rating scale (NRS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores of the patients were evaluated before the treatment and at 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months after discharge to assess the efficacy of the treatment.

RESULTS

The mean operation time of LTEB was 25.7 7.5 min (15-45 min). After the operation, 5 patients developed weakness of the lower limbs but all recovered within 24-72 h. The patients receiving LTEB all showed significantly decreased NRS scores for low back and radicular pain and ODI scores after the operation (P=0.001). At 2 weeks after the operation, the patients receiving LTEB showed significant relief of low back pain as compared with the patients in the control group (t=2.224, P=0.034), and the difference in NRS scores for low back pain between the two groups tended to diminish over time (F=1.743, P=0.183). Treatment with LTEB resulted in obvious relief of radicular pain and significant reduction of the ODI score of the patients (P < 0.001), and such improvements became more obvious over time after LTEB (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

As a minimally invasive approach, LTEB is effective for treatment of low back pain with radicular pain and can produce good short-term effects of pain relief and functional improvement.

Value of ultrasound-guided transforaminal nerve block in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation

Objective

This study was performed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided transforaminal nerve block in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.

Methods

Sixty patients who underwent treatment for protrusion of a lumbar intervertebral disc in Wangjing Hospital from January 2016 to December 2017 were divided into the study group and the control group. The visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores of the lumbar vertebra, PRI (pain rating index), and PPI (present pain intensity) were recorded at 30 minutes, 1 week, and 3 months after the operation.

Results

There were significant differences in the VAS, JOA, PRI, and PPI scores between the study group and control group.

Conclusion

Ultrasound guidance can improve the efficacy and safety of transforaminal nerve block in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation and shorten the operative duration.