Türk Nöroşirürji Dergisi 2012 , Vol 22 , Num 1
Effectiveness of Selective Transforaminal Nerve Root Block in Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniations
Çiğdem MUMCU1, Haydar GÖK2, İlker GÜLEÇ3, Sait NADERİ2
1S.B. Sultanbeyli Devlet Hastanesi, Beyin Cerrahisi Kliniği, İstanbul, Türkiye
2S.B.Ümraniye Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Beyin Cerrahisi Kliniği, İstanbul, Türkiye
3S.B. Antalya Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Beyin Cerrahisi Kliniği, Antalya, Türkiye
AIM: Selective transforaminal nerve root blockage is a treatment modality designed for the management of radiculopathy associated with lumbar disc hernia. In this study, the efficacy of selective transforaminal nerve root blockage was evaluated in patiens diagnosed with radiculopathy associated with recurrent lumbar disc hernia.

MATERIAL and METHODS: A total of 15 patients, on whom selective transforaminal root blockage was performed due to recurrent lumbar disc hernia in the years between 2009-2010, were examined. All of the patients were investigated in the post-transforaminal root blockage 1. week, 1, 3 and 6. months. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used in order to evaluate the leg pains and Prolo scale in order to evaluate the satisfaction of patients.

RESULTS: The mean VAS levels in post-transforaminal injection were found to be 2,07±1,10 in the 1. week; 1,80±0,86 in the 1. month; 2,33±0,72 in the 3. month and 2,40±0,82 in the 6. month, whereas the mean VAS levels before the procedure were 6,87±0,74 (p<0,001).

CONCLUSION: Selective transforaminal nerve root blockage could be an efficient procedure to be recommended for selected cases with recurrent lumbar disc hernia and having a history of radiculopathy. Anahtar Kelimeler : Recurrent lumbar disc hernia, Transforaminal nerve root blockage, Nerve root blockage