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Identification of epidural space in the sacral spine by means of a thermolesion needle and an radiofrequency (RF) generator - a preliminary report
open access
Abstract
Corticosteroids delivered into epidural space demonstrate higher local concentrations over an inflamed nerve root and will be more effective than a steroid administered either orally or by intramuscular injection. The clinical effectiveness evaluations fill the literature with various types of reports including randomised clinical trials, prospective trials, retrospective studies, case reports, and meta-analyses. Evidence from all types of evaluations with regard to clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of caudal epidural injections is encouraging. Reports of the effectiveness of all types of epidural steroids vary from 18% to 90%. One of the reasons for this discrepancy is the difficulty in accurate identification of caudal epidural space and inaccurate needle placement when performed without imaging guidance in a substantial number of patients. Caudal epidural injection is a safe, effective technique when performed with due care. In many centres this procedure is performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance.
In our study we used stimulation with a radiofreqency needle to identify caudal epidural space for low back pain treatment (30 patients).
Abstract
Corticosteroids delivered into epidural space demonstrate higher local concentrations over an inflamed nerve root and will be more effective than a steroid administered either orally or by intramuscular injection. The clinical effectiveness evaluations fill the literature with various types of reports including randomised clinical trials, prospective trials, retrospective studies, case reports, and meta-analyses. Evidence from all types of evaluations with regard to clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of caudal epidural injections is encouraging. Reports of the effectiveness of all types of epidural steroids vary from 18% to 90%. One of the reasons for this discrepancy is the difficulty in accurate identification of caudal epidural space and inaccurate needle placement when performed without imaging guidance in a substantial number of patients. Caudal epidural injection is a safe, effective technique when performed with due care. In many centres this procedure is performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance.
In our study we used stimulation with a radiofreqency needle to identify caudal epidural space for low back pain treatment (30 patients).
Keywords
caudal epidural injections; steroids; chronic low back pain; chronic pelvic pain; radiofrequency (RF)
About this articleTitle
Identification of epidural space in the sacral spine by means of a thermolesion needle and an radiofrequency (RF) generator - a preliminary report
Journal
Advances in Palliative Medicine
Issue
Pages
127-134
Published online
2010-02-01
Page views
635
Article views/downloads
1513
Bibliographic record
Advances in Palliative Medicine 2009;8(4):127-134.
Keywords
caudal epidural injections
steroids
chronic low back pain
chronic pelvic pain
radiofrequency (RF)
Authors
Jan Dobrogowski
Anna Przeklasa-Muszyńska
Magdalena Kocot-Kępska
Jerzy Wordliczek