[Chronic cervico-brachial neuralgia treated by cervical epidural injection of corticosteroids. Long-term results].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To assess long-term results of a single cervical epidural corticosteroid injection (CECI) in patients suffering from chronic cervicobrachial neuralgia (CCBN).

STUDY DESIGN:

Open prospective study.

PATIENTS:

A CECI was performed in 29 patients suffering for more than 12 months from a non-compressive and non-surgical CCBN with permanent pain for at least three months non relieved by an adequately conducted medical treatment.

METHODS:

The cervical epidural space was injected (C7-T1, 18 G needle) with an increasing volume (maximum 10 mL) of isotonic saline solution to exacerbate patient's cervicobrachial pain. The patients then received an equivalent volume of 0.5% lidocaine plus triamcinolone acetonide (10 mg.mL-1). The pain decrease was estimated on a visual analogic scale (VAS), in comparison to intensity of pain rated at 100 mm before CECI.

RESULTS:

The mean volume injected into the epidural space was 6 +/- 2 mL. It increased pain in 26 out of 29 patients. After 3 months, a success rate of 83% was obtained, with a pain rate of 12 mm on VAS. Concerning mid- and long-term results, pain relief remained stable for at least 24 months (mean follow-up: 48 +/- 18 months). Simultaneously, the need for analgesics decreased significantly.

CONCLUSION:

A single CECI in patients suffering from non-compressive and non-surgical CCBN results in long-lasting pain relief.

• Authors: B Grenier, L Castagnera, P Maurette, P Erny, J Senegas
• Journal: Annales francaises d'anesthesie et de reanimation (Ann Fr Anesth Reanim) Vol. 14 Issue 6 Pg. 484-8 ( 1995) ISSN: 0750-7658 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Névralgie cervico-brachiale chronique traitée par injection péridurale cervicale de corticoïdes. Résultats à long terme.
• PMID: 8745972 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Glucocorticoids
• Triamcinolone Acetonide

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adult
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Brachial Plexus Neuritis (drug therapy)
• Cervical Vertebrae
• Chronic Disease
• Female
• Glucocorticoids
• Humans
• Injections, Epidural
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pain Measurement
• Prospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome
• Triamcinolone Acetonide (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)