Abstract
Introduction
To investigate the effect and complications after transforaminal injection for cervical disc herniation.
Material and Methods
We retrospectively reviewed all the patients submitted to a fluoroscopic-guided transforaminal injection for radiculopathy caused by cervical disc herniation. During the past 7 years, 57 patients (39 females, 18 males, mean age 45.6 years) experiencing cervical radiculopathy underwent fluoroscopically guided nerve root infiltrations by posterolateral approach. The position of the needle was verified after injection of a small amount of contrast. Lidocaine 1% (0.5 mL) and a glucocorticosteroid (0.5 mL) were injected.
Results
The most treated root was C6 (31 procedures), 14 patients had injections at C7, 7 at C5, and 5 at C4. Eight patients (14%) had complications (three syncopes, three transient hoarseness, one worsening of symptoms, and one hematoma). 42.1% became asymptomatic after the procedure, therefore not requiring surgery. Around 57% needed surgery but it took at least 2 months to become symptomatic again.
Conclusion
Radicular block for cervical disc herniation is a safe way to avoid surgery. Some patients still need surgery but since they got better with the procedure, they can schedule it at a convenient date.