CompletedNot Applicable

The Frequency of Superior Cluneal Nerve Entrapment Diagnosed With Ultrasound Guided Nerve Block

Turkey (Türkiye)200 participantsStarted 2022-04-01

Plain-language summary

Cluneal nerves are a group of pure sensory nerves that provide direct cutaneous innervation to the buttocks. Superior cluneal nerve(SCN) originates from the T11-L5 nerve roots and has at least 3 branches from medial to lateral; these are the medial, intermediate, and lateral branches. Anatomy studies have shown that the medial branch passes 6-7 cm lateral to the midline on the posterior iliac crest. Nerve branches pass through the osteofibrous tunnel formed by the thoracolumbar fascia and the superior edge of the iliac crest, where they can be trapped. Controversial data exist regarding the osteofibrous tunnel. It may not be present in all cases, and in some cases more than one nerve has been shown to pass through the osteofibrous tunnel. As a result, there are discussions about superior cluneal nerve anatomy and there is not enough information. In patients with superior cluneal nerve entrapment syndrome, low back pain radiates to the upper part of the hip and may cause leg pain that mimics radiculopathy. The diagnosis is clinical. Diagnostic criteria for superior cluneal nerve (SCN) entrapment; Low back pain involving the iliac crest and buttocks, symptoms aggravated by lumbar movement or posture, trigger point over the posterior iliac crest corresponding to the nerve compression zone, patients report numbness and radiating pain in the SCN area (Tinel sign) when the trigger point is compressed, symptom relief by SCN block at the trigger point. Prevalence studies of superior cluneal nerve entrapment syndrome are very few. Maigne et al reported superior cluneal nerve entrapment in 1.6% of 1,800 patients with low back pain. Kuniya et al showed that 14% of 834 patients with low back pain met the criteria for superior cluneal nerve entrapment. Superior cluneal nerve entrapment is not as rare as it is thought to be among the causes of low back pain. In Turkey, there is no study showing the prevalence of the superior cluneal nerve or its importance in patients with low back pain. The aim of this study is to examine the patients who applied to Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation polyclinic with low back pain; To confirm the diagnosis with an ultrasound-guided diagnostic injection test, to determine the importance of superior cluneal nerve entrapment.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older with mechanical low back pain for more than 3 months * Without a history of neurological or psychiatric disease * No history of inflammatory disease * Patients without a history of trauma in the last 3 months Exclusion Criteria: * Age younger than 18 and over 80 * Having a history of acute trauma in the last 3 months * Presence of inflammatory rheumatic disease (RA, Ankylosing spondylitis, Polymyalgia rheumatica, vasculitides etc.) * Patients who have been injected (steroid, hyaluronic acid, etc.) in the last 6 weeks * Presence of active infection * The use of anticoagulants that may interfere with the injection * Presence of bleeding disorder * Known allergy to injection agents * Presence of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension * Presence of heart failure * History of malignancy * Having a history of neurological disease * Pregnancy, lactation * Psychiatric disorder

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

More than 70% reduction in pain with diagnostic nerve block

Timeframe: two months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05303597

SponsorIstanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2022-06-01

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