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Transforaminal nerve root block

Dr Praveen Jha and Dr Frank Gaillard et al.

Transforaminal nerve root block is performed to for radicular pain treatment and diagnosis.

See spinal interventional procedures for complications and equipment.

Cervical spine

Thoracic spine

Lumbar spine

The desired needle tip position is just lateral to the pedicle immediately below the transverse process, angled in at 30 to 40 degrees from vertical. The needle tip (when performed fluouroscopically) should not project beyond the mid point of the pedicle.

Suitable contrast is injected to confirm that the needle has not breached the dura. The nerve root can be seen outlined by contrast. Steroid and anaesthetic can then be injected, with will wash the contrast away.