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Cluneal nerve release: a systematic review
Elie Najjar1, Faris Karouni1, Spyridon Komaitis2
1Centre for Spinal Studies and Surgery, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
Summary
Surgical decompression for cluneal nerve entrapment offers significant symptom improvement in chronic lower back pain patients. This procedure shows low complication and revision rates, making it an effective treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Pain Medicine
- Neurosurgery
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Cluneal nerve entrapment is an underdiagnosed cause of chronic lower back pain.
- Limited research exists on the efficacy of surgical release for this condition.
Approach:
- Systematic review of English literature up to May 2022, adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Included studies focused on patients with diagnosed cluneal nerve entrapment unresponsive to conservative treatment.
- Excluded isolated case reports.
Key Points:
- Analyzed 4 studies involving 98 patients (mean age 61) who underwent cluneal nerve release.
- Observed significant postoperative symptom improvement with no systemic or local complications.
- Reported an 8.2% revision rate for recurrent symptoms, often due to incomplete initial decompression.
Conclusions:
- Cluneal nerve decompression is effective, yielding significant clinical improvement in 98 patients.
- The procedure demonstrated a favorable safety profile with zero reported complications.
- Revision rates were low at 8.2%, indicating successful surgical outcomes.
