Continuous Transsacral Epidural Block in a Patient with Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis / 대한마취과학회지

ABSTRACT

A 79-year-old male patient presented with a continuous transsacral epidural block for the treatment of herpes zoster pain on the right Tll-12 and Ll dermatome levels. However, it was impossible to introduce the Tuohy needle below the subcutaneous tissue. By the C-arm image intensifier, flowing calcifications of the lumbar paravertebral ligaments, except L5-Sl interspace, were observed. Thus, an epidural approach was tried at the L5-Sl interspace, but the Tuohy needle was introduced in the subarachnoid space instead of the epidural space. After an X-ray of the whole spine, diffuse idiopathetic skeletal hyperostosis was diagnosed. The Tuohy needle was introduced into the sacral canal through the second posterior sacral foramen and the epidural catheter was inserted about 15cm in length cephalad through the needle. The pain was controlled by the injection of 1% lidocaine and 0.5% bupivacaine every 3-4 hours continuously After 3 weeks this patient was discharged from hospital without any postherpetic sequelae.