Use of transforaminal epidural blocks in patients with radiculopathy caused by herniated disc of the cervical spine

Aim of the research. To study the efficacy and safety of treating patients with cervical radicular pain that is resistant to conservative treatment. Material and methods. The results of treatment of 30 patients with herniated discs of the cervical spine and persistent radicular pain syndrome, who had an indication for surgical treatment, were studied. All subjects underwent transforaminal epidural block (TEB), and in case of its low efficiency, the patients were offered surgical treatment. The patients'condition was assessed in dynamics over 2 years, including on the basis of indicators of the visual analog scale (VAS), the Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaire, and motor dysfunction in the limb according to the MRC Scale for Muscle Strength (MRC). Results. After 1 month: 21 (70 %) patients noted a significant (at least 50 %), persistent decrease in the intensity of radicular pain during the first month after TEB; a decrease in NDI values was noted in all patients. In 83.3 % (n-10) of the patients, there was a complete recovery of motor function in the limb. Two (6.7 %) patients underwent surgical treatment. After 24 months: All patients maintained a decrease in NDI scores (median 4 [0;6]). In 21 (70 %) patients, a stable positive effect from the conducted TEB remained. Four (13.3 %) patients were operated on, while five (16.7 %) patients refused surgical treatment and continued conservative treatment with a positive effect over time. Thus, all patients showed a significant decrease in the intensity of radicular and local pain in the neck with a median of 0 [0;0]. A complete restoration of muscle strength was found in all patients with moderate paresis of the arm before manipulation (n-12). Only 5 patients (16.7 %) retained periodic moderate (not exceeding 3 points by the VAS) local pain in the neck, and four (13.3 %) patients noted periodic, mild (not exceeding 3 points by the VAS) radicular pain. Conclusion. The use of TEB in the treatment of patients with radiculopathy caused by herniated discs of the cervical spine prevents the need for surgical treatment in 70 % of the patients, while maintaining a high quality of life.