Lateral branch blocks

Abstract

The posterior sacral network is a complex meshwork of lateral branches of the dorsal sacral rami that innervate the posterior aspect of the sacroiliac joint. Pain arising from this joint can be diagnostically targeted using either a fluoroscopic or ultrasound technique to determine if the patient would benefit from radiofrequency ablation of the lateral branches. Injecting local anesthetic near the dorsal foramina using these techniques will temporarily block the transmission of pain by the lateral branches from the sacroiliac joint. This chapter covers the anatomy of the posterior sacral network, discusses the details of the two techniques for lateral branch blocks and evidence for their utility, provides information about the risks and contraindications associated with the techniques, and concludes by discussing the implications of the procedure.