title: Image-Guided Selective Nerve Blocks in the Spine.
abstract: Selective nerve block (SNB) in the spine is a diagnostic and therapeutic imaging procedure. It consists of placing a needle under fluoroscopic guidance in the epiradicular space, which is formed by extensions of the anterior and posterior epidural membranes. Injection of nonionic contrast will confirm the correct position of the needle. This is followed by injection of a long-acting local anesthetic and/or corticosteroid. Pain reproduction followed by pain relief is recorded. This technique enables one to identify a symptomatic nerve, produce pain relief for a variable period of time, and help select surgical candidates.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Radiology and Orthopedic Surgery, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, Virginia.
authors.forename: Phoebe A.
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Kaplan
authors.forename: Robert G.
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Dussault