Sonography guided lumbar nerve and facet blocks: The first report of clinical outcome from Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Nerve root block (NRB) and facet block (FB) are viable options for pain arising from facet and lumbar disc herniation (LDH) not responding to conservative therapy but still not suitable for surgery. Classically, they are performed under fluoroscopy and computed tomography (CT) guidance, which have the disadvantages of radiation exposure and limited accessibility. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of US guided FB and NRB in patients suffering from facet arthropathy and LDH.

METHODS: 14 patients were involved in the study. After defining nerve root (for NRB) or facet joints (for FB) under a standard US investigation, real-time injection of methylprednisolone and bupivacaine was performed. Pain was measured before and after procedure by VAS.

RESULTS: Ten patients underwent FBs (8 bilateral and 2 unilateral) and 4 underwent NRBs (2 bilateral and 2 unilateral). 11/14 (79%) patients improved after the block (8 in FB, 3 in NRB) and the VAS had significantly decreased 1 week after procedure (mean [range] -1.7 [-6 to 0]). For the 11 patients that improved after FB or NRB, the effect lasted for a mean of 59 days (range: 30-130 days). Analysis showed that neither block procedure (NRB vs. FB) nor block level (L4L5 vs. L5S1) had an effect on result.

CONCLUSIONS: Results of our preliminary study shows that in appropriately selected patients, nerve root and facet blocks can be effectively performed under ultrasonography guidance without notable complications, with effects lasting for a mean 2 months.