Retrospective investigation of sinuvertebral nerve blocks based on findings of 157 sessions performed in 133 patients

Abstract

This retrospective study investigated 133 patients who received sinuvertebral nerve blocks (S-V blocks) over 157 sessions between 2012 and 2017. Therapeutic effects were assessed using the numerical rating scale (NRS). Treatment was considered effective in patients in whom the NRS score was reduced to ≦50％ a month after the S-V block. S-V blocks were performed under fluoroscopic guidance with patients placed in the oblique position. A nerve block needle was inserted into the dorsal fiber ring of the intervertebral disc, and a solution containing 0.5 ml of 1％ mepivacaine＋0.825 mg of aqueous dexamethasone was injected. Treatment was effective in 68 patients (51.1％). Diagnosis was established in 21 of 26 patients (80.8％). No adverse effects were observed in association with the procedure. One-year outcomes were remission with treatment completion in 23 patients. S-V blocks are useful to diagnose and treat conditions associated with the intervertebral discs.