J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2015 Apr;50(2):116-123. 10.4055/jkoa.2015.50.2.116.

The Usefulness of Selective Spinal Nerve Root Block in Neuropathic Pain Patients with Radiculopathy

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Korea.
  • 2Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kosin University Gospel Hospital, Busan, Korea. mewha98@naver.com

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was conducted in order to evaluate effect and efficiency of selective spinal nerve root block for neuropathic pain patients with lower leg radiating pain.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 113 patients were evaluated and follow-up periods were a minimum of 12 months. They were divided into two groups: group A included 41 patients with neuropathic pain and group B included 72 patients with simple lower leg radiating pain.
RESULTS
Fourteen (34.1%) patients in group A and 45 (62.5%) patients in group B had favorable results for selective spinal nerve block (p<0.05). Visual analog scale (VAS) was improved from 7.57 to 5.23 at 12 months in group A and from 7.11 to 3.49 at 12 months in group B.
CONCLUSION
The initial treatment period for group A was significantly later than in group B. For patients with neuropathic pain and radiculopathy, early assessment was recommended and early selective spinal nerve block could be a good treatment option for neuropathic pain patients.

Keyword

leg radiating pain; neuropathic pain; selective nerve root block

MeSH Terms

Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Leg
Neuralgia*
Radiculopathy*
Spinal Nerve Roots*
Spinal Nerves
Visual Analog Scale

Figure

  • Figure 1 Self-report of the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs pain scale (S-LANSS) score in Korean.


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