Efficacy of ultrasound-guided neurolysis of sciatic nerve in popliteal fossa for treatment of patients with popliteal fossa pain

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided neurolysis of sciatic nerve in popliteal fossa for patients with popliteal fossa pain. Methods Twenty-five patients with popliteal fossa pain were collected. All patients were received the treatment of ultrasound-guided neurolysis in the region of sciatic nerve of popliteal fossa. The conjunction area of sciatic nerve, popliteal artery and popliteal vein was injected with 0.25% lidocaine and compound betamethasone 3.5mg, and 30 μg/ml medical ozone 10 ml. NRS and modified HSS knee joint score were recorded preoperatively and one month, three months after the treatment. Results Four, fifteen and six patients were received the treatment one time, two times and three times respectively. NRS at rest was (2.2±1.4) , (1.3±1.1) and (1.4±1.1) , and NRS during movement was (5.2±1.1) , (2.7±1.1) and (3.1±1.2) before the treatment and 1, 3 months after the treatment respectively. Modified HSS knee score was (80±6) , (90±7) and (87±6) respectively. Compared with pretreatment, all above indices were significantly improved after the treatment (P<0.05) . No complications such as infection, neural or vascular injury were found. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided injection of lidocaine, betamethason and medical ozone between the area of sciatic nerve and popliteal artery or popliteal vein is a safe and effective method for the treatment of patients with popliteal fossa pain. Key words: Knee; Pain; Sciatic nerve; Neurolysis; Ultrasonography