Shortcuts

open access

Vol 8, No 4 (2009)
Original articles
Published online: 2010-02-01
Get Citation

Identification of epidural space in the sacral spine by means of a thermolesion needle and an radiofrequency (RF) generator - a preliminary report

Jan Dobrogowski, Anna Przeklasa-Muszyńska, Magdalena Kocot-Kępska, Jerzy Wordliczek
Advances in Palliative Medicine 2009;8(4):127-134.

open access

Vol 8, No 4 (2009)
Original articles
Published online: 2010-02-01

Abstract

Caudal epidural injections are one of the commonly used interventions in managing chronic low back pain. The caudal approach to epidural space was first reported by Sicard in 1901. Injection of steroids to treat low back pain was introduced in 1952.
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

Caudal epidural injections are one of the commonly used interventions in managing chronic low back pain. The caudal approach to epidural space was first reported by Sicard in 1901. Injection of steroids to treat low back pain was introduced in 1952.
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).
Get Citation

Keywords

caudal epidural injections; steroids; chronic low back pain; chronic pelvic pain; radiofrequency (RF)

About this article
Title

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

Vol 8, No 4 (2009)

Pages

127-134

Published online

2010-02-01

Page views

641

Article views/downloads

1518

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

Regulations

Important: This website uses cookies. More >>

The cookies allow us to identify your computer and find out details about your last visit. They remembering whether you've visited the site before, so that you remain logged in - or to help us work out how many new website visitors we get each month. Most internet browsers accept cookies automatically, but you can change the settings of your browser to erase cookies or prevent automatic acceptance if you prefer.

By "Via Medica sp. z o.o." sp.k., ul. Świętokrzyska 73, 80–180 Gdańsk

tel.:+48 58 320 94 94, faks:+48 58 320 94 60, e-mail:  viamedica@viamedica.pl