FACTORS INFLUENCING THE OUTCOME OF SELECTIVE NERVE ROOT BLOCK IN MANAGEMENT OF LUMBAR RADICULOPATHY

Abstract

Selective nerve root block (SNRB) is an approved procedure in management of lumbar radicular pain. The aim was to study the determinants that inuence the therapeutic effectiveness of selective nerve root injection in treatment of patients with Lumbar radicular pain. 28 patients between July 2020 o May 2022 with lumbar radi Materials & Methods: cular pain underwent SNRB . All Selective Nerve Root Blocks were performed as inpatient procedures without premedication. Pain severity was evaluated using various assessment scales (visual analogue scale, Rolland – Morris scale,) and results are analyzed both pre procedure and post procedure. Various parameters like age, sex, nature of work, duration of symptom, amount of pain relief, ability to return back to their regular activities were assessed. Results: In our study we found that selective nerve root block was more effective in patients presenting with acute symptoms, who are moderately built, with MSU 2AB grading and who were engaged in moderate level of physical occupation with maximum VAS & RMDQ score at the time of presentation. SNRB was less effective in obese patient of more than 80 kgs, BMI of < 28. Nerve Root Block is an effective Conclusion: therapeutic tool for Lumbar Radicular pain and should be recommended as the initial treatment of choice for this condition. Various constitutional, environmental and behavioral factors inuence the outcome.