US-guided transforaminal cervical nerve root block: a novel lateral in-plane approach.

Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a novel lateral in-plane approach for US-guided transforaminal cervical nerve root block (US-guided TF-CNRB) in the treatment of cervical radiculopathic pain. Design The design of the present study consisted of an institutional, retrospective case series. Setting The present study was conducted at a university hospital. Subjects Thirty-two patients with cervical radiculopathy who were resistant to conservative therapies and regular US-guided CNRB were included as participants. Methods The included patients were treated with US-guided TF-CNRB. During the treatments, using real-time fluoroscopy, we monitored the spreading patterns of a contrast medium, and double confirmed the positions of needle tips. Pain numeric rating scales (NRS) and symptom relief grades were determined via telephone interviews at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after the procedures. Results US-guided TF-CNRB was performed at the C5 level in 6 patients, the C6 level in 18 patients, and the C7 level in 8 patients. Comparing to NRS at baseline, pain scores decreased throughout the observation period. Symptom relief rates of US-guided TF-CNRB at 1, 4, and 12 weeks were 72%, 69%, and 63%, respectively. Venous blood was aspirated during the procedures in two patients, and the needle tips were corrected. No intravascular injections or neurologic injuries were observed. Conclusion US-guided TF-CNRB produced circumferential spreading around the involved cervical nerve root, and showed significant clinical effectiveness in patients resistant to regular US-guided CNRB.