Comparing Ultrasound-Guided Transgluteal Nerve Block to Standard Care for Emergency Department Patients With Low Back Pain and Sciatic Radiculopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of an ultrasound-guided transgluteal sciatic nerve block compared to standard care for adult patients experiencing sciatic back pain who visit the emergency department. The main purpose is to determine if this nerve block improves pain better than the usual treatments in these patients. The study is a randomized trial conducted by the University of California, San Francisco, focusing on adults with acute or acute-on-chronic sciatica pain. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving an ultrasound-guided transgluteal sciatic nerve block using 10-20 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine injected near the affected nerve, and the other receiving standard emergency department pain management, which may include oral or intravenous NSAIDs, acetaminophen, opioids, or muscle relaxants. These treatments are delivered during the emergency department visit. During the study, participants will be asked about their pain levels and to walk a short timed distance to assess ambulatory status. Pain scores will be recorded at 30 minutes after treatment, at the decision point of hospital admission or discharge (up to 6 hours), and at 24 and 48 hours after the emergency visit. Researchers will also track ambulatory status before disposition and at 24 and 48 hours, as well as any emergency department return visits within 30 days. The total participation time varies according to these follow-up periods.

Comparing Ultrasound-Guided Transgluteal Nerve Block to Standard Care