Perth Radiological Clinic | Nerve Root Sleeve Injection

The procedure involves a fine needle placed close to the nerve just beyond its exit from the spine. CT guidance is used to ensure safe and accurate placement of the needle. A long acting anaesthetic (0.5% Bupivacaine) and a long acting steroid (Kenacort or Celestone) are injected.The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic. The injection is not usually painful although occasionally there may be transient limb pain when the needle is near the nerve. This is usually brief and will not cause nerve damage.

Complications are not common and if they occur are usually minor. The most significant is transient limb weakness and for this reason you will be asked to stay in the department for 30 minutes following the injection. Very rarely, serious side effects causing permanent neurological damage have been reported to occur. It is advisable to have someone collect you to take you home.

Following the injection you will often feel numbness and tingling in the distribution of the nerve. Usually pain is very effectively relieved during the first few hours while the anaesthetic is working. It is not unusual for pain to return after this. It may take several days for the steroids to work and sometimes this may be minimally effective. Some people get no benefit. You will be given a pain form to complete following this injection. Please take it with you to your next doctor's appointment. Please bring all your x-rays with you when you come for the injection.

If you have any questions regarding the procedure please contact us or speak to your doctor.

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