title: Transforaminal periradicular infiltration guided by CT for unilateral sciatica--an outcome study.
abstract: Selective transforaminal periradicular infiltration with local corticosteroids and anesthetics has been performed for preoperative evaluation of lumbosacral pain and for patients with sciatia. From July 2001 to November 2003, 143 patients with unilateral sciatica were treated with computed tomography (CT)-guided transforaminal periradicular infiltration. Needle puncture was possible without difficulty in all patients. Of all 143 infiltrations, 140 were followed up with the recovery of leg and back pain and improvement of the straight leg-raising test (SLRT). Minor complications were seen, but major complications and mortality did not occur in our series. In summary, CT guidance allows safe and precise needle positioning, and it can readily demonstrate the spread of the medications in the exact periradicular space.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Kaohsiung Medical University, Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Kung-Shing
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Chih-Lung
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Shiuh-Lin
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Shen-Long
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Howng
authors.forename: Chien-Kuo
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012585:Sciatica / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D003287:Contrast Media; D002045:Bupivacaine