Ultrasonography-Guided Lumbar Periradicular Injections for Unilateral Radicular Pain

Biomed Res Int. 2017:2017:8784149. doi: 10.1155/2017/8784149. Epub 2017 Mar 30.

Abstract

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy and efficacy of sonographically guided lumbar periradicular injections through in-plane or out-of-plane approach techniques for patients with unilateral lower lumbar radicular pain. The feasibility and accuracy of these techniques were studied by means of computed tomography (CT). Methods. A total of 46 patients with chronic unilateral lumbar radicular pain were recruited and randomly assigned to either the in-plane or out-of-plane injection group. A mixture of 3 mL 1% lidocaine and 7 mg betamethasone was injected. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain before and after treatment. Results. The pain intensity, as measured by VAS, significantly decreased in both in-plane and out-of-plane injection groups. Conclusions. The sonographically guided periradicular injections are feasible and effective in treating lumbar unilateral radicular pain.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lidocaine / administration & dosage*
  • Low Back Pain / diagnostic imaging
  • Low Back Pain / drug therapy*
  • Low Back Pain / pathology
  • Lumbosacral Region / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbosacral Region / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Measurement / methods*
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional / methods*

Substances

  • Lidocaine