Author(s): Dr. RK Ambulgekar and Dr. Sudhanshu Kumar Gautam

Abstract: Background: Selective nerve root block (SNRB) and Facet joint infiltration (FJI) are procedures that can be used as therapeutic modality for lumbosacral radiculopathy. Our study aims to investigate the clinical effectiveness of the use of fluoroscopically guided therapeutic selective nerve root block as a non-surgical symptom management of lumbosacral radiculopathy.Patients and Methods: This is an observational study of therapeutic nerve root block and Facet joint infiltration administered in 50 patients with low back pain and/or sciatica at tertiary care hospital. Data was collected by independent clinical interviewers, and The Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire was used to measure pain severity and for post procedure relief of symptoms. Results: A total of 50 patients, 28 (56%) males and 22 (44%) females, underwent SNRB and FJI. 60% patients had good outcome whereas 34% patients had fair outcome. 64% patients had reduction in symptoms post-operatively. The difference between the outcome and post-operative symptoms was statistically significant (X2 =4.24, p =0.38) Conclusion: Therapeutic SNRB with FJI is an important procedure in the pain management of patients with lumbar radiculopathy caused by lumbar disc prolapse and foraminal stenosis. Our study showed that 17 out of 28 males had good outcome whereas 13 out of 22 females had good outcome. 60% patients had good outcome whereas 34% patients had fair outcome. pain relief for at least 6 months was achieved in up to 64% of patients after a single SNRB with FJI. This makes it a very good second line of management after conservative treatment and a possible method to delay, and sometimes cease, the need for surgery.

DOI: 10.22271/27078345.2024.v6.i2b.223

Pages: 72-75 | Views: 232 | Downloads: 52

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