Evaluation of functional outcomes from spinal root block injections via suprafacetal approach in subacute lumbosacral disc herniation with radiculopathy: A longitudinal analysis
Aditya Prasad Panda, Geeta Chand Acharya, S. Vishnu, Suhas Sondur, Shankar AcharyaAbstract:
Background:
Spinal nerve root blocks (SNRBs) are a diagnostic and therapeutic technique that has become a viable nonsurgical option in lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The transforaminal root block precisely targets inflamed nerve roots to alleviate pain. However, the functional outcome of suprafacetal SNRB in various subtypes of LDH is unknown. Objective of the study: The objective of this study is to assess the functional outcomes and complications of the transforaminal spinal root block via suprafacetal Kambin’s triangle approach in various subtypes of LDH with subacute radiculopathy at 6 weeks and 6 months.
Materials and Methods:
Under fluoroscopic guidance, patients who presented with LDH and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed disc herniation underwent suprafacetal SNRB. One milliliter lignocaine (2%) and 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide were injected in a transforaminal suprafacetal approach. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 12-item Short Form Survey Physical Component Summary (SF-12 PCS), and follow-up MRI (if required) were used to evaluate the results.
Results:
Fifty patients with a mean age of 48.20 ± 7.804 years were subjected to SNRB through the suprafacetal approach. Preprocedure mean VAS scores, median ODI scores, median SF-12 PCS improved from (6.12 ± 0.773), 37 (interquartile range [IQR]: 31–44.25), 25.22 (IQR: 23–27) to (3.28 ± 2.031), 19.25 (IQR: 12–22.25), and 33.64 (IQR: 27–30.25), respectively, at 6 weeks’ follow-up (
Conclusions:
The suprafacetal SNRB is an easy, minimally invasive, and effective method for a pain-free state with improved functional outcomes in LDH.