[Chronic radiculopathy. Use of minimally invasive percutaneous epidural neurolysis according to Racz].

Treatment of chronic low back pain exhibiting radicular symptoms poses a clinical problem that has not yet been solved. The technique of percutaneous minimally invasive neurolysis described by Racz is being performed increasingly to treat chronic radiculopathy. A total of 61 patients with corresponding symptomatology after screening for inclusion and exclusion criteria in the region of the lumbar spinal nerve were treated with the Racz catheter technique. Distinct clinical improvement was observed at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups after percutaneous minimally invasive epidural neurolysis. Subjective pain perception, quantified by the McNab score, clearly improved after 3 as well as 6 months. With the exception of partial catheter shearing in two cases and one occurrence of infection, no relevant side effects were noted. The Racz catheter technique for treatment of chronic radiculopathy following disk surgery is suitable with minimal side effects.