Ultrasound-Guided Perineural Dextrose Injection for Superior Cluneal Nerve Neuropathy Treatment

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Superior cluneal nerve (SCS) entrapment neuropathy is an often overlooked cause of low back pain. Nerve block is usually applied to the sensitive point on the iliac crest where Tinel positivity is detected, with a mixture of a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic. Dextrose injection is one of the treatment methods. There are not enough studies comparing the effectiveness of dextrose and steroid injections. In this study, it was planned to compare these two methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 16 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided steroid injection and 17 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided dextrose injection with the diagnosis of SCS neuropathy at Elazığ Fethi Sekin City Hospital Polyclinics between 01.09.2023 and 28.03.2024. Patients were evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS) and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) scores before and after the procedure at week 1 Results: While VAS and RMDQ scores were similar in both groups before the procedure, VAS and RMDQ scores at week 1 were significantly lower in the dextrose group. CONCLUSION: Perineural dextrose injection appears to be a safe and effective alternative to steroid injections in the treatment of SCS neuropathy.