The Value of Selective Nerve Root Block to Predict Surgical Outcome for Spinal Surgery

Kim, Yong Min; Cha, Jae Hun

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the selective nerve root block prior to the surgery.
METHODS
Between January 2007 and December 2009, 52 cases of selective nerve root block prior to the spine surgery were performed. Three cervical lesions and 49 lumbar spinal lesions were selected. All selected patients had multilevel spine lesions or poorly defined radiologic findings with significant symptoms of neural foramen stenosis.
RESULTS
In total of the 52 patients, 41 had positive and 11 had negative results with the nerve root block. Out of the 41 patients with positive results, 40 patients had good surgical outcome. From the 11 patients with negative results, 6 patients had good surgical outcome. All surgeries were performed at the positive level at the selective nerve root block and the most suspected lesion.
CONCLUSION
Selective nerve root block can be used to evaluate the location generating the most serious radiating pain. Results of selective nerve root block corresponded with the results of the surgical outcome in the most cases. We can predict the outcome of the surgery, especially in case of multilevel spine problems or poorly defined radiologic findings, by performing preoperative selective nerve root block.