Ultrasound-guided transgluteal sciatic nerve analgesia for refractory back pain in the ED

Am J Emerg Med. 2020 Sep;38(9):1792-1795. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.06.001. Epub 2020 Jun 6.

Abstract

Sciatic radicular back pain is a painful condition resulting in approximately 2% of emergency department (ED) visits a year. Typically, the ED treatment has been limited to various analgesic regimens with limited success sometimes resulting in hospital admissions for pain control. Regional anesthesia has become increasing popular for lower-limb analgesia, but has not universally permeated the ED setting. The transgluteal sciatic nerve block (TGSNB) is a procedure that can provide effective analgesia for lower extremity pain. Herein, we present the first technical description and clinical response to ultrasound-guided TGSNB performed by emergency physicians for acute pain control of sciatic back pain through a series of cases.

Keywords: Regional anesthesia; Sciatic radiculopathy; Transgluteal sciatic nerve analgesia; Ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analgesia / methods*
  • Back Pain / drug therapy*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Block / methods*
  • Pain Management / methods*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Radiculopathy / drug therapy*
  • Sciatic Nerve*
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional*