Efficacy of Transforaminal Nerve Root Block in Lumbar Radiculopathy.

BACKGROUND

Transforaminal nerve root block (TFNRB) is a precise local injection technique used to target a particular inflamed nerve root that causes lumbar radiculopathy for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Lumbar radiculopathy is characterized by radiating lower extremity pain following specific dermatomal patterns, typically resulting from nerve root compression or inflammation. While its management includes conservative treatment as the first line of treatment, conservative treatments often fail, necessitating alternative interventions such as TFNRB and other invasive operative interventions. This study evaluates the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of TFNRB in managing lumbar radiculopathy.

METHODS

A study was conducted involving 30 patients in the 18-60 age group who presented with chronic radicular pain persisting for over six weeks and refractory to conservative measures. All patients underwent TFNRB under fluoroscopic guidance. Pain and disability were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) criteria pre- and post-procedure at regular intervals, and final results were evaluated using the MacNab criteria.

RESULTS

Mean VAS scores reduced from 7.8 ± 1.1 pre-procedure to 2.5 ± 1.3 at six months (p < 0.01). ODI scores demonstrated significant improvement, decreasing from 65.4% ± 5.3% to 25.6% ± 4.2% (p < 0.01). Out of 30 patients, the majority reported sustained pain relief, with minor complications in two cases.

CONCLUSION

TFNRB is an effective, minimally invasive intervention for lumbar radiculopathy, providing significant pain relief and functional improvement with minimal adverse effects.