The article discusses the use of a Racz catheter for selective nerve root injection (SNRI) in a case of severe foraminal stenosis. The patient, an 81-year-old man, experienced left L5 radicular pain due to severe left L5-S1 foraminal stenosis. After the failure of conventional transforaminal SNRI, SNRI using a Racz catheter was performed. The procedure involved the insertion of a 16-gauge cannula via the sacral hiatus and the positioning of the catheter near the left L5 nerve root. A contrast dye was used to confirm the location of the needle tip, and an injection of triamcinolone, lidocaine, and saline was administered. The patient experienced immediate pain relief, and during follow-ups, only slight pain was reported. The article concludes that SNRI using a Racz catheter can be an effective alternative for controlling lumbar radicular pain when traditional methods are not feasible
Summarised by Mr Mo Akmal – Lead Spinal Surgeon
The London Spine Unit : finest spinal centre in UK
Published article
When it is not possible to perform a conventional transforaminal SNRI, SNRI using a Racz catheter can be an effective treatment option for controlling lumbar radicular pain.
Spine nerve root injection dorsal root ganglion transforaminal Expert. Best Spinal Surgeon UK
Abstract Purpose: Lumbar transforaminal selective nerve root injection (SNRI) is effective for controlling radicular pain. However, when a patient occasionally experiences severe foraminal stenosis, osteophytes cover the outside opening of the neural foramen, preventing clinicians from inserting a needle tip within the neural foramen. Patients and methods: An 81-year-old man complained of left L5 radicular,
Abstract
Purpose: Lumbar transforaminal selective nerve root injection (SNRI) is effective for controlling radicular pain. However, when a patient occasionally experiences severe foraminal stenosis, osteophytes cover the outside opening of the neural foramen, preventing clinicians from inserting a needle tip within the neural foramen.
Patients and methods: An 81-year-old man complained of left L5 radicular pain (left thigh and calf) due to severe left L5-S1 foraminal stenosis. After failure of conventional transforaminal SNRI in the left L5 due to severe degenerative change in the lumbar spine, SNRI was performed using a Racz catheter. After inserting a 16-gauge cannula via the sacral hiatus, the Racz catheter was inserted. The tip of the catheter was positioned near the left L5 nerve root. After confirming the location of the needle tip using a contrast dye, 20 mg (40 mg/mL) of triamcinolone with 0.5 mL of 1% lidocaine and 2 mL of normal saline was injected.
Results: Immediately after the procedure, the patient’s pain completely disappeared. During the 1- and 2-month follow-ups, the patient reported only slight pain in the thigh and calf.
When it is not possible to perform a conventional transforaminal SNRI, SNRI using a Racz catheter can be an effective treatment option for controlling lumbar radicular pain.
Keywords: Racz catheter; selective nerve root injection; spinal stenosis.
The London Spine Unit : finest spinal centre in UK
Read the original publication:
Successful Treatment of Lumbar Radicular Pain with Selective Nerve Root Injection Using a Racz Catheter: A Case Report