Outcomes after selective nerve root blockade for lumbar radicular pain from lumbar disc hernia or lumbar spinal stenosis assessed by the PROMIS-29 - a prospective observational cohort study.

PURPOSE: Selective nerve root blocks (SNRB) are used both as a therapeutic and diagnostic tool for lumbar radicular pain. Most studies evaluate the effect of SNRB simply by its relation to pain reduction. It is well known that pain is associated with other factors such as depression, anxiety, inactivity and sleeping disorders, but these patient-related outcomes are seldom evaluated. This study evaluated the influence of SNRB on pain-related outcomes including depression, anxiety, fatigue, pain interference, activity and sleep. METHODS: One hundred three patients with lumbar radicular pain were treated with a SNRB. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed with the PROMIS-29 for 12 weeks (84 days) following the SNRB. Patients were stratified based on their pain reduction at the 14-day follow up as responders (≥ 30% pain reduction) and non-responders (< 30% pain reduction). Post-treatment duration was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier analysis with return to baseline as an event. A paired t-test was used to compare pre- and post-treatment responses at specific time intervals. RESULTS: Forty-four percent (n = 45) of the patients were responders and showed significant improvement in all parameters throughout the 84-days follow-up, the exception was sleep that lost significance at day 70. The mean post-treatment duration among responders was 59 (52-67) days. Non-responders showed significant improvements in pain interference and pain intensity until day 35 and in ability for social participation until 21-day. CONCLUSION: SNRB can improve pain intensity, pain interference, physical function, fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and the ability to participate in social roles.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Selective Nerve Block on Chronic Cervical Radiculopathy.

Background and Objectives: Cervical radiculopathy (CR) manifests as pain and sensorimotor disturbances in the upper extremities, often resulting from nerve root compression due to intervertebral disc herniation, degenerative changes, or trauma. While conservative treatments are initially preferred, persistent or severe cases may require surgical intervention. Ultrasound-guided selective nerve root block (SNRB) has emerged as a promising intervention for alleviating symptoms and potentially obviating the need for surgery. This study evaluates the therapeutic efficacy of ultrasound-guided SNRB in managing chronic CR, aiming to determine its potential in symptom relief and delaying or avoiding surgical procedures. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 720 outpatients treated for CR between October 2019 and March 2022. After excluding patients with traumatic CR, previous surgeries, malignancies, progressive neurological symptoms requiring immediate surgery, or inadequate conservative treatment, 92 patients who had experienced cervical radicular pain for more than three months and had failed to improve after more than six weeks of conservative treatment with VAS scores ≥ 5 were included. The patients underwent single or multiple ultrasound-guided SNRB procedures, involving the injection of dexamethasone and lidocaine under real-time ultrasound guidance. Symptom severity was assessed at the baseline, and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-procedure using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The data collected included age, sex, presence of neck and/or radicular pain, physical examination findings, recurrence of symptoms, improvement in symptoms, and whether surgical intervention was ultimately required. Statistical analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with symptom improvement or recurrence. Results: Significant symptom improvement was observed in 69 (75.0%) participants post-SNRB, with 55 (79.7%) showing improvement at 4 weeks, 11 (15.9%) at 8 weeks, and 3 (4.4%) at 12 weeks. Symptom recurrence, defined by an increase in VAS score accompanied by a pain flare lasting at least 24 h after a pain-free interval of at least one month, was noted in 48 (52.2%) patients. The presence of combined neck and radicular pain was a significant predictor of recurrence (p = 0.008). No significant associations were found between symptom relief and factors such as age, gender, initial pain severity, or MRI findings. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided SNRB effectively manages chronic CR, providing substantial symptom relief and potentially reducing the need for surgical intervention. This technique offers a promising conservative treatment option, especially given its real-time visualization advantages and minimal radiation exposure.

Risk Analysis of Needle Injury to the Long Thoracic Nerve during Ultrasound-Guided C7 Selective Nerve Root Block.

Background and Objectives: Ultrasound (US)-guided cervical selective nerve root block (SNRB) is a widely used treatment for upper limb radicular pain. The long thoracic nerve (LTN) passes through the middle scalene muscle (MSM) at the C7 level. The needle trajectory of US-guided C7 SNRB pierces the MSM, therefore indicating a high probability of injury to the LTN. We aimed to identify the LTN and to investigate the risk of needle injury to the nerve during US-guided C7 SNRB. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study included 30 patients who underwent US-guided SNRB at the C7 level in a university hospital. We measured the maximal cross-sectional diameter (MCSD) of the LTN and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the C7 nerve root and assessed the injury risk of LTN during US-guided C7 SNRB by simulating the trajectory of the needle in the ultrasound image. Results: The LTN was detectable in all the cases, located inside and outside the MSM in 19 (63.3%) and 11 (36.7%) of cases, respectively. The LTN's mean MCSD was 2.10 mm (SD 0.13), and the C7 root's CSA was 10.78 mm2 (SD 1.05). The LTN location was within the simulated risk zone in 86.7% (26/30) of cases. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a high potential for LTN injury during US-guided C7 SNRB. The clear visualization of LTNs in the US images implies that US guidance may help avoid nerve damage and make the procedure safer. When performing US-guided C7 SNRB, physicians should take into consideration the location of the LTN.

Is selective nerve root block necessary for learning percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy: a comparative study using a cumulative summation test for learning curve.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lumbar spine selective nerve root block (SNRB) experience on the learning efficiency of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) for junior trainees. METHODS: A total of 480 patients undergoing single-level PELD performed by eight junior trainees were included. The trainees were divided into two groups based on whether they had previous SNRB experience (group A, yes; group B, no). Surgical proficiency was defined as total operation time less than 65 minutes and cumulative radiation exposure time no more than 40 seconds. The learning curve was analyzed by cumulative summation (CUSUM) test. Clinical evaluations included Macnab classification, visual analog scale (VAS)-low back score, VAS-leg score, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Follow-up information at 12 months was also obtained. RESULTS: Integral number of cases before achieving an acceptable surgical level in group A (47.75 ± 2.50 cases) was significantly smaller than that in group B (56.50 ± 1.29 cases, p < 0.05), along with less accumulated failure (18.75 ± 0.96 cases vs. 25.50 ± 1.75 cases, p < 0.05). The two groups were comparable in clinical outcomes. Forty-seven cases of complications were observed, with 17 in group A and 30 in group B (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Previous experience of SNRB improved the performance of PELD with shorter operation time and less radiation exposure. SNRB practice may reduce the complication rate without a significant effect on the recurrence of symptoms and reoperation.

Extraforaminal Cervical Selective Nerve Root Block-Description of a Posterolateral Approach With Cone Beam-Based CT Guidance.

BACKGROUND: Cervical selective nerve root blocks (C-SNRBs) maintain utility for presurgical planning in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Traditional fluoroscopic or stationary computed tomography (CT)-guided methods have been associated with complications, including catastrophic neurologic insults, while ultrasound guidance has been investigated based on its theoretical advantages. Maximizing patient safety by obtaining superior anatomic and procedural details promotes the exploration for better alternative guidance. METHODS: We describe a novel approach of posterolateral (PL) extraforaminal (EF) C4 SNRB using cone beam-based CT (CBCT)/fluoroscopy, which was performed on 3 separate occasions for 1 patient with suspected right C4 radiculopathy for presurgical evaluation. CBCT/fluoroscopy uniquely provides the function of both CT and fluoroscopy using a C-arm machine. It allows precise 3-dimensional needle planning and sophisticated 2-dimensional needle guidance, while ensuring tight needle control and detailed monitoring of contrast spread. RESULTS: A successful right C4 SNRB was repeatedly achieved, as evidenced by postprocedural paresthesias over the C4 dermatomal distribution and periradicular contrast spread. Additionally, the patient reported symptomatic relief (with regard to pain scores and neck range of motion), leading to cancelation of his surgical plan. CONCLUSION: We propose the PL-EF approach as the safest protocol for C-SNRBs. When compared with fluoroscopy or CT, CBCT/fluoroscopy is an advanced imaging system that provides superior anatomic neurovascular detail, while offering precise needle control, contrast media monitoring, and easy operation in an office setting. These advanced features support it as the ideal guidance method for maximizing both the safety and efficiency of the PL-EF C-SNRB approach. However, the claimed advantages cannot be concluded without increasing its accessibility to pain specialists and conducting a prospective study with a large sample size.

Treatment outcomes of intradiscal steroid injection/selective nerve root block for 161 patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Patients with cervical radiculopathy (CR) were treated with intradiscal injection of steroids (IDIS) and/or selective nerve root block (SNRB) at our hospital. We retrospectively report the outcomes of these nonsurgical treatments for CR. 161 patients who were followed up for >2months were enrolled in this study. Patients' clinical manifestations were classified as arm pain, arm numbness, neck and/or scapular pain, and arm paralysis. Improvement in each manifestation was classified as "disappeared," "improved," "poor," or "worsened." Responses of "disappeared" or "improved" manifestations suggested treatment effectiveness. Final clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Odom criteria. Changes in herniated disc size were evaluated by comparing the initial and final MRI scans. On the basis of these changes, the patients were divided into regression, no-change, or progression groups. We investigated the relationship between the Odom criteria and changes observed on MRI. Effectiveness rates were 89% for arm pain, 77% for arm numbness, 82% for neck and/or scapular pain, and 76% for arm paralysis. In total, 91 patients underwent repeated MRI. In 56 patients (62%), the size of the herniated disc decreased, but 31 patients (34%) exhibited no change in disc size. The regression group showed significantly better Odom criteria results than the no-change group. In conclusion, IDIS and SNRB for CR are not widely performed. However, other extremely effective therapies that can rapidly improve neuralgia should be considered before surgery.

A Case Series of Selective Nerve Root Block - A Technique for Delaying Surgery in Patients with Lumbar Radiculopathy.

Introduction: The aim of this research is to study the clinical outcome and symptomatic improvement for patients with lumbar radiculopathy treated with selective nerve root block (SNRB) under fluoroscopic guidance. This non-surgical management can be used at various sites including cervical and lumbar regions and also can prevent early surgeries for patients with radiculopathy. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with low back pain with or without sciatica were treated by fluoroscopic-guided nerve root block (F- NRB) as therapeutic management in government Cuddalore Medical College during the period of August 2020-2022. These patients were studied prospectively for the period of6 months and assessed with the Visual Analog Scale to quantify the severity ofpain. Discussion: 30 patients underwent S-NRB, in that 26 patients had an immediate recovery and four patients showed delayed recovery, so that four patients underwent surgery. At the 3rd and 6th-month follow-up, 14 patients did not have a recurrence of pain and 12 had a recurrence of pain. Out of these 12 patients who had pain recurrence, only four needed surgery and the rest were managed conservatively. Accordingly, out of 30 patients who underwent SNRB, only eight patients needed surgery. Conclusion: Patients with lumbar radiculopathy caused by lumbar disc prolapse and foraminal stenosis have good clinical outcomes by SNRB. This method had good pain relief for about 86% of patients immediately and prevented surgery for about 73.3% of patients. Out of 26.7% who underwent surgery, the majority had sequestrated discs. Thus, the sequestrated disc is one of the major negative predictors of successful outcomes for SNRB.

Ultrasound-guided versus fluoroscopy-guided lumbar selective nerve root block: a retrospective comparative study.

The purpose of this study is to compare the accuracy and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided and fluoroscopy-guided lumbar selective nerve root block (SNRB), and to explore the feasibility of ultrasound-guided methods. This retrospective study included patients with lumbar radicular pain who underwent ultrasound-guided and fluoroscopy-guided selective nerve root block at Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University from August 2020 to August 2022. Patients were divided into U-SNRB group and F-SNRB group according to ultrasound-guided or fluoroscopy-guided selective nerve root block. There were 43 patients in U-SNRB group and 20 patients in F-SNRB group. The pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, related indexes and complications were recorded and compared between the two groups before, 30 min, 1 month and 6 months after block. To evaluate the feasibility, accuracy and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided selective nerve root block. There were no complications in the process of selective nerve root block in both groups. The operating time and the times of closing needle angle adjustment in U-SNRB group were better than those in F-SNRB group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The VAS score and JOA score of patients in the two groups were significantly improved 30 min after block, 1 month and 6 months after block, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The accuracy of ultrasound-guided selective nerve root block and the degree of pain relief of patients were similar to those of fluoroscopy guidance, but the operation time and needle angle adjustment times were significantly less than that of fluoroscopy, and could effectively reduce radiation exposure. Therefore, it can be used as a better way to guide for choice.

Ultrasound-Guided Cervical Selective Nerve Root Block versus Fluoroscopy-Guided Interlaminar Epidural Injection for Cervical Radicular Pain: A Randomized, Prospective, Controlled Study.

Ultrasound (US)-guided cervical selective nerve root block (CSNRB) procedures are increasingly being performed as an alternative to conventional fluoroscopy (FL)-guided epidural injections for the treatment of cervical radicular pain. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of US-guided CSNRB versus FL-guided interlaminar cervical epidural steroid injection (IL-CESI) for cervical radicular pain. A total of 60 patients with cervical radicular pain due to a single-level disc herniation were randomized into either the FL or US group. The numeric rating scale, Short Form-36, and neck disability index were evaluated before treatment at months 1, 3, and 6 after treatment. Procedure time, complications, pain medication consumption, and patient satisfaction were also recorded. Patients experienced significant improvement in pain, disability, and quality of life scores up to 6 months after the procedure (p < 0.001). Treatment success rate was achieved in 56.6% of the IL-CESI group and 50% of the CSNRB group without any significant difference between the study arms (p = 0.617). US-guided CSNRB was shown to be as effective as the FL-guided IL-CESI in the treatment of cervical radicular pain, in addition to the absence of radiation exposure and requiring less procedure time.

Clinical Outcomes of Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy Assisted with Selective Nerve Root Block for Treating Radicular Pain with Diagnostic Uncertainty in the Elderly.

Purpose: To investigate the clinical outcomes of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy assisted with selective nerve root block for treating radicular pain with diagnostic uncertainty in the elderly. Methods: A total number of 36 elderly patients were included in the study. Clinical outcomes collected for analysis include operative time, hospital stay time, Visual Analog Scale, and Oswestry Disability Index before and after the surgery, the global outcome based on the Macnab outcome criteria. Results: Seventeen males and nineteen females with a mean age of 73.72 ± 7.15 were included in this study. Radicular pain was the main complaint of all the patients with the least symptom duration of two months. Radiological findings showed that 80.6% of the patients with multilevel disc herniation, 16.7% received lumbar fusion surgery before, and 8.3% with degenerative scoliosis. Besides, 69.4% of the patients have at least one comorbidity. 85.4% of the patients showed a positive response to selective nerve root block, and 91.6% of the patients reported a favorable outcome at the last follow-up. The mean value of pre-operative leg pain was 7.56 ± 0.74 and dramatically decreased after surgery (2.47 ± 0.81, P < 0.001). Besides, the mean value of Oswestry Disability Index decreased from 43.03 ± 4.43 to 5.92 ± 5.24 (P < 0.001) one year after the surgery. Conclusion: Multilevel degeneration of the lumbar spine is common in elderly patients. Identifying the responsible segment and decompressing the nerve root through minimally invasive surgery can provide a satisfactory clinical outcome for those with radicular pain as their primary complaint. And selective nerve root block is a reliable diagnostic tool for those with an ambiguous diagnosis.