Assessment of clinical outcomes of cervical epidural neuroplasty using a Racz-catheter and predictive factors of efficacy in patients with cervical spinal pain.

Background: Epidural neuroplasty using the Racz catheter has a therapeutic effect in patients with cervical disc herniation and central stenosis who do not respond to fluoroscopically guided epidural injections.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of cervical epidural neuroplasty in patients with posterior neck and upper extremity pain and to demonstrate correlations between predictive factors and unsuccessful results of cervical epidural neuroplasty.

Study Design: Observational study.

Setting: An interventional pain management practice in a university hospital.

Methods: Outcome measures were obtained using the numeric rating scale (NRS) for total pain, neck pain, arm pain, and sleep disturbance; and the neck pain and disability scale (NPDS); as well as opioid consumption at preprocedure, one month, 3, 6, and 12 months after procedure. Successful epidural neuroplasty was defined as 50% or greater reduction from the preprocedure NRS for total pain, and at least a 40% reduction in the NPDS. We obtained clinical data and radiologic findings to evaluate correlations between predictive factors and efficacy of epidural neuroplasty.

Results: Of the 169 patients, successful outcomes were observed in 108 patients (63.9%) at one month following the procedure, in 109 patients (64.5%) at 3 months, in 96 patients (56.8%) at 6 months, and in 89 patients (52.7%) at 12 months. Previous surgery, spondylolisthesis, and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament were significantly associated with unsuccessful outcomes as measured by NRS and NPDS (P < 0.05).

Limitations: Limitations of this evaluation include the lack of a placebo group.

Conclusions: Cervical epidural neuroplasty may be an effective treatment for pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with cervical spinal pain who did not respond to conservative treatment, and may decrease surgical demand. Previous surgery, spondylolisthesis, and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament are associated with unsuccessful outcomes of epidural neuroplasty.