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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Alistair Irwin, Dr Almas Khan, Paul Sanderson
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Purpose: The specificity of a selective nerve root block (SNRB) is dependant on isolating only the required nerve root whilst avoiding injectate flow to traversing nerves. Needle tip position is therefore crucial. Nerve root blocks (SNRBs) in the presence of deformity can be particularly technically challenging to perform. The aims of this study were to document the relationship of needle tip position and SNRB accuracy in patients with and without spinal deformity. Methods: Over an 8-month period, all SNRBs performed by one spinal surgeon were included. Patients with radiographic evidence of spinal deformity were analysed separately and their lumbar deformity graded using the Schwab grading system. Needle tip position in relation to the superior pedicle and flow of contrast was documented. Results: 76 patients received 85 injections without deformity, 26 patients with deformity underwent 30 SNRBs. In the normal spinal alignment group, there was on overall accuracy of 70.1 % regardless of needle tip position, which improved to 91.8 % for a lateral needle tip position (P < 0.001). In patients with deformity, the overall accuracy was significantly lower irrespective of needle tip position 36 versus 70 %, respectively (P < 0.0019). Conclusions: Selective nerve root blocks are accurate in patients without deformity where a needle tip placement lateral to the middle third of the pedicle is achieved. The presence of spinal deformity significantly reduces the accuracy of SNRBs with a higher chance of epidural infiltration. © 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
Author(s): Irwin A, Khan AL, Fender D, Sanderson PL, Gibson MJ
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: European Spine Journal
Year: 2014
Volume: 23
Issue: Suppl. 1
Pages: 33-39
Print publication date: 01/04/2014
Online publication date: 24/01/2014
Acceptance date: 09/01/2014
ISSN (print): 0940-6719
ISSN (electronic): 1432-0932
Publisher: Springer Verlag
URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-014-3188-z
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-014-3188-z
PubMed id: 24458935
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