Feasibility of Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar and S1 Nerve Root Block: A Cadaver Study
- Author:
Jaewon KIM
1
;
Hye Jung PARK
;
Won Ihl LEE
;
Sun Jae WON
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Ultrasonography; Spinal injection; Lumbosacral Region; Spinal roots
- MeSH: Cadaver; Fluoroscopy; Injections, Spinal; Lumbosacral Region; Methods; Needles; Spinal Nerve Roots; Spine; Ultrasonography; Zygapophyseal Joint
- From: Clinical Pain 2019;18(2):59-64
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
- Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the feasibility of ultrasound-guided lumbar nerve root block (LNRB) and S1 nerve root block by identifying spread patterns via fluoroscopy in cadavers.METHOD: A total of 48 ultrasound-guided injections were performed in 4 fresh cadavers from L1 to S1 roots. The target point of LNRB was the midpoint between the lower border of the transverse process and the facet joint at each level. The target point of S1 nerve root block was the S1 foramen, which can be visualized between the median sacral crest and the posterior superior iliac spine, below the L5-S1 facet joint. The injection was performed via an in-plane approach under real-time axial view ultrasound guidance. Fluoroscopic validation was performed after the injection of 2 cc of contrast agent.RESULTS: The needle placements were correct in all injections. Fluoroscopy confirmed an intra-foraminal contrast spreading pattern following 41 of the 48 injections (85.4%). The other 7 injections (14.6%) yielded typical neurograms, but also resulted in extra-foraminal patterns that occurred evenly in each nerve root, including S1.CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided injection may be an option for the delivery of injectate into the S1 nerve root, as well as lumbar nerve root area.
