Sorayouth Chumnanvej1, Kitipat Kittayapirom1, Siriluk Chumnanvej2. 1. Neurosurgery Division, Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. 2. Department of Anesthesiology, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Electronic address: siriluk4143@yahoo.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Epidural steroid injection for low back and leg pain has been shown to result in a positive clinical outcome. Lumbosacral selective nerve root block (SNRB) via a transforaminal approach is commonly performed under fluoroscopic guidance. However, ultrasound guidance is an alternative to overcome the radiologic disadvantages. This study examined the accuracy of needle-tip localization under ultrasound guidance with a contrast bubble, compared with fluoroscopic guidance. OBJECTIVE: The primary objectives were to envisage the needle-tip localization with an air bubble by ultrasound and also to determine the accuracy of needle-tip location in transforaminal lumbar SNRB for low back and leg pain patients who were not surgical candidates. METHODS: A prospective study of 30 SNRBs was conducted. An air bubble was produced and was used to envisage the needle-tip location under ultrasound guidance. Finally, the needle tip was confirmed by fluoroscopy. The accuracy of needle-tip location was statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-four SNRBs were performed at L4-5 and 6 SNRBs at L3-4. The accuracy of needle-tip localization was 80%. CONCLUSION: In order to avoid radiation exposure during the SNRB procedure, ultrasound guidance might be an alternative. Despite being accepted practice, there is a steep learning curve involved in the use of ultrasound guidance for lumbar SNRB, and proper training is crucial. A contrast bubble is a prospective enhancement for better visualization of ultrasound guidance.
BACKGROUND: Epidural steroid injection for low back and leg pain has been shown to result in a positive clinical outcome. Lumbosacral selective nerve root block (SNRB) via a transforaminal approach is commonly performed under fluoroscopic guidance. However, ultrasound guidance is an alternative to overcome the radiologic disadvantages. This study examined the accuracy of needle-tip localization under ultrasound guidance with a contrast bubble, compared with fluoroscopic guidance. OBJECTIVE: The primary objectives were to envisage the needle-tip localization with an air bubble by ultrasound and also to determine the accuracy of needle-tip location in transforaminal lumbar SNRB for low back and leg painpatients who were not surgical candidates. METHODS: A prospective study of 30 SNRBs was conducted. An air bubble was produced and was used to envisage the needle-tip location under ultrasound guidance. Finally, the needle tip was confirmed by fluoroscopy. The accuracy of needle-tip location was statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-four SNRBs were performed at L4-5 and 6 SNRBs at L3-4. The accuracy of needle-tip localization was 80%. CONCLUSION: In order to avoid radiation exposure during the SNRB procedure, ultrasound guidance might be an alternative. Despite being accepted practice, there is a steep learning curve involved in the use of ultrasound guidance for lumbar SNRB, and proper training is crucial. A contrast bubble is a prospective enhancement for better visualization of ultrasound guidance.