Prolapsed intervertebral disc with sciatica: the role of common peroneal nerve block

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pain Management
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Lumbar disc prolapse frequently causes sciatica, characterized by lower back pain radiating down the leg.
• Effective pain management and improved mobility are crucial for patients with sciatica.
• Conservative treatments for sciatica have varying success rates and accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of common peroneal nerve block in managing pain and improving straight leg raising in patients with lumbar disc prolapse and sciatica.
• To assess the feasibility of this procedure as an outpatient treatment.
• To determine its potential utility in resource-limited settings.

Main Methods:

• A total of 210 patients diagnosed with lumbar disc prolapse and sciatica were enrolled.
• A common peroneal nerve block was administered using 2% xylocaine infiltration around the nerve.
• Pain intensity and straight leg raising angles were measured before and after the procedure.

Main Results:

• Pain scores significantly decreased from a baseline of 2.99 +/- 0.46 to 0.91 +/- 0.99 post-block.
• Straight leg raising ability improved significantly, increasing from 32.1 +/- 12.55 to 59.66 +/- 12.11 degrees.
• The procedure was successfully performed as an outpatient intervention.

Conclusions:

• Common peroneal nerve block is a simple and effective method for reducing pain and enhancing mobility in patients with sciatica due to lumbar disc prolapse.
• Its outpatient nature and potential for low-resource application make it a valuable therapeutic option.
• This technique offers a promising approach for sciatica management in diverse clinical settings.