HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Can A Left Transforaminal ESI Be Performed By A Needle On The Right Side?

I recently had a doctor perform a epidural steroid injection that was supposed to be a left side tranforminal ESI at L-5/S-1. He stuck the needle in my right side of my back/spine. Can a left transforminal ESI be performed via a needle on the right side.
Wed, 3 Sep 2014
Report Abuse
Diabetologist,  's  Response
The vertebral column is a single central column. Imagine it like a circular cylinder. Now there are nerves coming out of the cylinder so we need to be careful there. the left side nerve travels left and right side nerve travels right.

So if I go for left from left side, the chances are that I may actually damage a nerve. on tge left side. Needle is a straight sturcture.
so When i have to get to the side, I move from the right side. Since the nerve is travelling to the right, the needle will not touch it. I move to the left, and the needle reaches the correct place before getting to the nerve

I hope that explains to you how it is done

Please feel free to ask another query. I would be glad to help you. Looking forward to your return query with the details asked so that I can help you further.
(If the answer has helped you, please indicate this)
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Regional anesthesia


Loading Online Doctors....
Can A Left Transforaminal ESI Be Performed By A Needle On The Right Side?

The vertebral column is a single central column. Imagine it like a circular cylinder. Now there are nerves coming out of the cylinder so we need to be careful there. the left side nerve travels left and right side nerve travels right. So if I go for left from left side, the chances are that I may actually damage a nerve. on tge left side. Needle is a straight sturcture. so When i have to get to the side, I move from the right side. Since the nerve is travelling to the right, the needle will not touch it. I move to the left, and the needle reaches the correct place before getting to the nerve I hope that explains to you how it is done Please feel free to ask another query. I would be glad to help you. Looking forward to your return query with the details asked so that I can help you further. (If the answer has helped you, please indicate this)