Therpeutic Effect of Peripheral Nerve Block and Transforaminal Selective Nerve Block for Management of Lumbosacral Radicular Pain: A Comparative Study

Introduction: Lumbosacral radicular pain is characterized by a radiating pain in lumbar or sacral dermatomes ,which may or may not be accompanied by other radicular irritation symptoms and/or symptoms of decreased function.Radiculopathy can cause radicular pain, weakness, impaired sensation and trouble controlling particular muscle groups. Intervertebral disc prolapses, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and spinal canal stenosis can also cause it. Aim: To compare the therapeutic efcacy of peripheral nerve block (sodium channel block) with Transforaminal selective nerve block for management of lumbosacral radicular pain. Methodology: A comparative analytical, cross-sectional study where all 80 patients between the 18 – 75 age group who were suspected of lumbosacral pain with radiculopathy on the clinical and radiological grounds presenting as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria during the study period were included and divided into two equal groups, i.e., Group P (peripheral nerve block) and Group T(Transforaminal selective nerve block). Results: The study compared Group P(n=40) and Group T(n=40) for managing lumbosacral radicular pain, it was found that, there were no signicant differences in chief complaints (72.50% vs. 60.00% lumbosacral pain with radiculopathy), pain distribution (p=0.4223), VAS scores over follow-up (p>0.05 for all), SLRT measurements (p>0.05), ODI scores (p>0.05), with complications. Conclusion: Both treatments are safe, cost- effective, and reliable. Both procedures provide signicant relief from radicular pain in lower limbs for upto 6 months of duration.But peripheral nerve block can be performed in OPD, while transforaminol block needs c-arm and operation theater as a day care OPD or indoor procedure..