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PubMed1980

Healing following implantation of periodontitis affected roots into bone tissue.

The aim of the present experiment was to study whether new connective tissue attachment can occur to root surfaces which have been exposed to the oral environment and subsequently implanted into bone tissue. Twelve teeth in three beagle dogs were subjected to progressive periodontal breakdown to half the root length by placing cotton floss ligatures around the neck of the teeth. Following crown resection and root hemisection, the teeth were root filled and the roots thoroughly scaled and planed. Each root was extracted and implanted into bone cavities prepared in edentolous areas of the jaws in such a way that epithelial migration into the wound and bacterial infection were prevented during healing. Root implantation and sacrifice of the animals were scheduled to allow for observation periods of 1, 2 and 3 months. The results demonstrated that new connective tissue attachment did not occur to root surfaces which had been exposed to the oral environment, but healing was characterized by repair phenomena, i.e. mainly root resorption and ankylosis. In those areas of the roots where periodontal ligament tissue was preserved following tooth extraction, a functionally oriented attachment apparatus was reformed. The results indicate that in addition to apical migration of junctional epithelium and regrowth of subgingival plaque, the type of cells which repopulate the wound area may jeopardize new connective tissue attachment.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Effect of various root surface treatments on the attachment and growth of human gingival fibroblasts: histologic and scanning electron microscopic evaluation.

Human teeth extracted because of advanced periodontal disease were obtained. The portions of the roots which had been exposed in periodontal pockets were either untreated or were treated with root planing or citric acid, or root planing followed by citric acid. Human gingival fibroblasts were then added to the roots so treated and were allowed to incubate for 72 h. The ability of cells to attach to and grow onto these roots was assessed by means of gross evaluation of staining intensity and by histologic and scanning electron microscopic observation. The results of multiple experiments in each root-treatment category indicated that only roots which had been planed, whether or not citric acid demineralization was used, promoted cell attachment and growth. In addition, there were no discernible morphologic differences in the cells which were plated onto roots which were root planed only, compared to those which were root planed and citric-acid treated. In both situations too, the cells displayed morphology typical of human gingival fibroblasts in culture.

Cell Adhesion↗
PubMed1998

The external and internal anatomy of human mandibular canine teeth with two roots.

This study investigated the internal anatomy of 65 human mandibular canines with two well-defined roots. The teeth were decalcified and injected with gelatin coloured with india ink. Diaphanization was carried out using clear resin to allow permanent preservation. It was found that all mandibular canines with two roots had two root canals. Lateral canals were found in 68.9% of teeth and 19.7% had lateral canals at the bifurcation. The results of the external measurements (cusp tip to root apex) showed that the average buccal root length was 23.0 mm and the average lingual root length was 22.7 mm. The maximum and minimum buccal lengths were 26.7 mm and 17.9 mm respectively and the maximum and minimum lingual lengths were 27.2 mm and 17.1 mm respectively. The buccal root was the larger of the two in 47.7% of teeth and 43.1% had roots of equal size. The lingual root was larger than the buccal root in 9.2% of cases. Clinicians should be aware of the anatomical variation that exists for mandibular canines.

Cuspid↗
PubMed1997

Oral hygiene and root caries occurrence in Slovenian adults.

This study investigated root caries related findings made in connection with basic clinical dental routines. A total of 410 adults, mean age 42.8 years, seeking dental care in two Slovenian communities, rural Ravne and urban Ljubljana, during a three-month period, were clinically examined for root caries. Primary root caries was defined as a softened yellowish-brown lesion gently penetrable by an explorer and situated principally on a root surface. Past root caries was defined as fillings at a similar location. A subject's oral hygiene was judged clinically as good, fair or poor, based on presence of dental plaque and subgingival calculus. Subjects' background variables included age, gender, and number of teeth. Subjects had on average 23.1 teeth, from which 0.8 teeth had primary root caries and 0.4 had fillings on root surfaces. Primary root caries occurred in 42 per cent of subjects, in 38 per cent of men and 45 per cent of women (P = 0.21), but fillings on root surfaces in only 19 per cent of the subjects, 11 per cent of men and 25 per cent of women (P = 0.001). The strongest factors explaining the presence of root caries, with control for other factors, were poor oral hygiene (odds ratio 3.1), smaller number of teeth (odds ratio 2.3 to 2.7), and older age (odds ratio 2.1). In conclusion, in everyday clinical dental practice, more emphasis should be placed on patients' proper oral hygiene and their encouragement and motivation to achieve it.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Receptive fields of unmyelinated ventral root afferent fibres in the cat.

1. The receptive fields were determined for 118 afferent fibres in the S2, S3 and Ca (caudal) 1 ventral roots of the cat. Of these fibres, ninety-three were unmyelinated, another eleven were probably unmyelinated, and fourteen were myelinated, according to estimates of their conduction velocities. 2. Confirmation that the recordings were from ventral root filaments came from electron microscopic inspection of ten of the filaments from which recordings of the activity of unmyelinated afferents were made. 3. Receptive fields were demonstrated for twelve unmyelinated afferent fibres in the distal stumps of the S2 and S3 ventral roots which had been sectioned 3 weeks previously, indicating that the cell bodies giving rise to these fibres were not in the spinal cord. 4. The action potentials of some of the unmyelinated ventral root afferent fibres were complex, suggesting branching of the afferents within the ventral root. 5. One third of the unmyelinated ventral root afferents had receptive fields in somatic structures: the skin and deep tissues. 6. Two thirds of the unmyelinated ventral root afferents had receptive fields in the viscera of the pelvis: the bladder, urethra, vagina, and lower bowel. 7. Many of the unmyelinated afferents in the ventral roots, especially those with cutaneous receptive fields, had high thresholds and may participate in nociception. 8. It is concluded that the cat ventral root contains a major sensory component and that the Law of Bell and Magendie is not an accurate description of the organization of the ventral root in this animal.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1980

The spinal cord ventral root: an afferent pathway of the hind-limb pressor reflex in cats.

1. In anaesthetized cats the sciatic nerve was cut and the central end was stimulated at a high frequency and voltage. This caused an increase in arterial blood pressure and a rise in heart rate. The pressure response was diminished by dorsal root section but not completely eliminated until ventral root section (L4-S3). The tachycardia response was abolished by dorsal root section alone. 2. In other cats capsaicin was injected intra-arterially into the hind limb, causing elevations in both blood pressure and heart rate. Similar to the sciatic nerve stimulation experiments, the pressor response was principally reduced by dorsal root section but was further significantly decreased by ventral root section (L1-S3). The rise in heart rate was prevented by dorsal root section alone. 3. It is concluded that, in cats, the afferent pathway of the pressor response to sciatic nerve stimulation and to hind-limb capsaicin injection are conducted principally in the dorsal roots but also to a small extent in the ventral roots of the spinal cord. Although the tachycardia response appears to be conducted only through the dorsal roots, it is possible that at lower resting heart rates and by stimulation of a large population of the unmyelinated skeletal muscle afferents, the ventral root is a functional pathway.

Afferent Pathways↗
PubMed2002

Diversity of endophytic fungi in the roots of mangrove species on the west coast of India.

Because mangrove plant species are a valuable source of useful metabolites, their endophytes have gained more importance. Randomly sampled surface-sterilized whole root segments of four mangrove plant species, Acanthus ilicifolius, Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora mucronata, and Sonneratia caseolaris from the mangroves of Udyavara (Karnataka) on the west coast of India, were characterized for fungal communities by direct plating, damp chamber, and bubbling chamber incubation methods. The richness of endophytic fungal species from whole root segments after direct plating and damp chamber incubation was greatest for R. mucronata than for other plants (18 vs. 8-13). Incubation of whole root segments in bubbling chambers yielded conidia of two freshwater hyphomycetes: Mycocentrospora acerina (in Avicennia officinalis) and Triscelophorus acuminatus (in R. mucronata and in S. caseolaris). Surface-sterilized whole root and root bark segments of R. mucronata sampled from the mid-tide level on direct plating yielded more fungi than that of the root segments sampled from low-tide and high-tide levels. The greatest number of isolates, species richness, and diversity of fungi were shown by the whole root segments of R. mucronata from the mid-tide level. Rarefaction indices also revealed the highest expected number of species out of 150 random isolations from the mid-tide level samples of whole root and root bark segments of R. mucronata. The present study showed that fungi in mangrove roots are composed of a consortium of soil, marine, and freshwater fungi.

Acanthaceae↗
PubMed1990

Microbiology of root surface caries in humans.

Studies on the microbiology of root surface caries between 1970 and 1975 placed emphasis on Gram-positive pleomorphic filamentous rods, particularly Actinomyces viscosus and Actinomyces naeslundii. Both of these species had been shown to produce root surface caries in experimental animals. Since this time, studies have placed more emphasis on Streptococcus mutans, and S. mutans and Lactobacillus are significant in prediction of root surface caries risk in patients. Subsequent studies confirmed an association between S. mutans and 'soft' or 'initial' root lesions. Thus, it is important when determining the microflora of root surface lesions to make careful characterization of the state of the lesion. A second important aspect of the analysis of bacterial communities associated with root surface caries is better definition of the organisms. Most studies have concentrated on 'target organisms' S. mutans, S. sanguis, A. viscosus, A. naeslundii, Lactobacillus, and Veillonella. However, it has been known for 17 years that the Actinomyces associated with the lesions may be variants of A. viscosus and A. naeslundii. Such strains (intermediate strains) have been described in taxonomic studies of Actinomyces, yet little is known of the differences in physiology of these strains or their relationship to root surface caries. A similar situation exists with oral Streptococcus where new taxonomic divisions are being proposed. Recognition of the potential diversity within the 'target' genera of root surface caries could yield valuable data. Recent studies suggest that this is so, since samples from root surface lesions which contain S. mutans and Lactobacillus show a high isolation of S. mitis 1 and no isolations of A. naeslundii. Careful definition of the lesions of root surface caries and the flora will allow analysis to relate a specific bacterial community to the state fo the lesion and assist in monitoring the control of the lesion through fluoride and antibacterials.

Actinomyces↗
PubMed2026

Deep soil layers show the most pronounced genetic variation in wheat root length.

Wheat is one of the most important cereals worldwide, yet significant gaps remain in our understanding of genetic variability in root traits, especially those associated with deeper rooting that support resource acquisition in challenging environments. Root traits are typically controlled by many genes with small effects and often display low heritability. Our aim was to develop a statistical approach to analyse root variation across soil depth and to determine where genetic differences in root intensity are most detectable. An experiment was conducted at the RadiMax semi-field facility, which is designed to measure deep root systems. Five years of phenotypic data recorded each June produced observations from 1500 rows. Each row captured root intensity across the soil profile from 0.6 m to 2.6 m, enabling detailed analysis of vertical root distribution. Across the five years, 513 winter wheat cultivars were grown in the facility, and among those 409 were genotyped with SNP chips. Depth-resolved regression models with random coefficients were used to quantify genetic and non-genetic variation in root intensity across soil depths, while accounting for spatial variation between rows. Random variation within rows was found to be constant across depths. The models showed that genetic variance for cumulative root intensity increased substantially below 1.1 m, with the deepest layers exhibiting the largest differences between wheat lines. Narrow-sense heritability of point measurements peaked at approximately 1.5 m ([Formula: see text]).

Genetic variability↗
PubMed2005

Origin of lumbar spinal roots and their relationship to intervertebral discs: a cadaver and radiological study.

Previous studies on the anatomy of the lumbar spine have not clarified the precise relationship of the origin of the lumbar roots to their corresponding discs or their angulation to the dural sac. We studied 33 cadavers (25 formalin-preserved and eight fresh-frozen) and their radiographs to determine these details. All cadavers showed a gradual decrease in the angle of the nerve root from L1 to S1. The origin of the root was found to be below the corresponding disc for the L1 to L4 roots. In the formalin-preserved cadavers 8% of the L5 roots originated above, 64% below and 28% at the L4/L5 disc. In the fresh cadavers the values were 12.5%, 62.5% and 25%, respectively. For the S1 root 76% originated above and 24% at the L5-S1 disc in the formalin-preserved cadavers and 75% and 25%, respectively, in the fresh cadavers.A herniated disc usually compresses the root before division of the root sleeve. Thus, compression of the thecal sac before the origin of the root sleeve is common for L1 to L5 whereas compression at the root sleeve is common for S1. Our findings are of value in understanding the pathophysiology of prolapse of the disc and in preventing complications during surgery.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Transformation of Catalpa ovata by Agrobacterium rhizogenes and phenylethanoid glycosides production in transformed root cultures.

Transformed root cultures of Catalpa ovata were established following shoots infection with four agropine strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes. Frequency of root formation was dependent on the bacterial strain and the presence of acetosyringone in the incubation medium. It is the first report concerning the possibility of transforming Catalpa ovata by A. rhizogenes. Both transformed and untransformed root cultures of C. ovata were studied for their growth and phenylethanoid glycoside production. As with the roots of intact plants, cis- and trans-verbascoside as well as martynoside were produced in transformed and untransformed root cultures of C. ovata. In hairy roots, total (cis + trans) verbascoside production could be stimulated up to three-fold of that of roots of 6-month-old plants grown in a greenhouse, by using an appropriate root line cultured in liquid 1/2 B5 Gamborg medium containing indole-3-butyric acid (0.1 mg/l) in the dark but not light conditions. Transformed and untransformed root cultures of C. ovata were also found to have 10 times higher martynoside production than roots of intact plants.

Asteraceae↗
PubMed2003

Efficacy of chemical root surface modifiers in the treatment of periodontal disease. A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal regeneration has been a relentless goal of the periodontist. Perhaps the oldest and most frequently attempted type of regeneration has involved chemical modification of the root surface. Varying results from histological and clinical studies have created controversy about the clinical effectiveness of root surface decalcification. RATIONALE: This systematic review assesses the efficacy of root surface biomodification through the use of citric acid, tetracycline, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in patients with chronic periodontitis. FOCUSED QUESTION: Does the use of chemical root declacification result in effective periodontal regeneration and improved clinical outcomes in patients with chronic periodontitis? SEARCH PROTOCOL: The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; American College of Physicians Journal Club, evidence-based MEDLINE journals; and National Center for Biotechnology Information PubMed Journals, as well as Dogpile, Google, and Copernic search engines were screened. Hand searches were performed on the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, Journal of Periodontology, Journal of Periodontal Research, and Periodontology 2000. Searches were performed for relevant clinical trials published through September 25, 2002. SELECTION CRITERIA INCLUSION CRITERIA: Histological and clinical studies evaluating the effects of citric acid, tetracycline, or EDTA on root surfaces of patients with chronic periodontitis were considered for inclusion. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Studies evaluating extracellular matrix proteins (e.g., fibronectin), enamel matrix proteins (e.g., amelogenins), or other proteins or growth factors applied to the root surface were not included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Primary outcome measures included changes in connective tissue attachment, cementogenesis, clinical attachment levels, probing depths, and gingival recession. Secondary outcome measures included changes in bone level, gingival inflammation, and plaque levels. Results for continuous outcome measures for primary variables (clinical attachment levels, probing depths, and recession) were expressed as mean differences or standardized mean differences. Clinical attachment levels and reduction in probing depth were evaluated using meta-analysis. All papers were rated according to methodological strength of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: 1. Thirty-four studies incorporating a total patient population of 575 were analyzed: 26 for citric acid, 5 for tetracycline, and 3 for EDTA treatment. 2. Four of 8 human histological studies reported regeneration with the use of citric acid. Only 1 of 18 clinical studies reported attachment gain. 3. Of the 5 studies examined using tetracycline, 1 histological study and 1 clinical study reported attachment gain. 4. No regeneration was reported in the 3 studies evaluating the use of EDTA. 5. Meta-analysis performed on 28 clinical trials did not show any significant effects of acid root treatment on attachment level gains or probing depth. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: 1. Evidence to date suggests that the use of citric acid, tetracycline, or EDTA to modify the root surface provides no benefit of clinical significance to regeneration in patients with chronic periodontitis. 2. The best method for ascertaining the clinical efficacy of acid-treated root regeneration would be to conduct a randomized clinical trial with sufficient statistical power that is supported by quantitative histological evaluation. 3. The majority of the studies that evaluated the regenerative potential of root surface modifiers were observational in nature; therefore, the value of conclusions reached in this manuscript must be carefully considered.

Citric Acid↗
PubMed1988

Scanning electron microscopy observations of initial clot formation on treated root surfaces.

This study presents the morphological sequence of events in initial blood clot formation on various root surfaces of freshly extracted human teeth. Four teeth with periodontal disease (PD) and three teeth without PD were extracted and the roots sectioned into halves. Those root surfaces with PD had four treatment areas: (1) intact periodontal ligament (PDL), (2) unplanned PD, (3) PD plus planed, (4) PD plus planed plus application of pH 1 citric acid (CA). The roots with no PD had three treatment areas: (1) intact PDL, (2) planed, (3) planed plus CA. Both root halves were reinserted together into the original extraction site. Each root half was then removed at either zero, one, two or four minutes and prepared for scanning electron microscope (SEM) evaluation. SEM observations suggested that plasma proteins were deposited initially on all root surfaces. Platelets and erythrocytes enmeshed in fibrin deposited most rapidly and consistently over the plasma protein layer where intact PDL was present. Similar observations were noted on the planed plus CA surfaces and appeared to occur at an earlier time than on the planed-only surfaces. A constant feature at all time periods was the absence of organized clot formation over the plaque-free zone of the PD root surfaces. By two minutes all surfaces, except the plaque-free zone of the PD area, appeared to have clot lysis occurring. While clot formation appeared to occur more rapidly over surfaces in the non-PD roots, no marked morphological differences in clot formation were observed between PD and non-PD teeth with similar root surface treatments.

Blood Coagulation↗
PubMed1989

The presence of nicotine on root surfaces of periodontally diseased teeth in smokers.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence to support the concept that the use of tobacco products significantly contributes to the progression of periodontal disease or is detrimental to healing following periodontal therapy. Several studies have shown toxic effects of nicotine on peripheral circulation and the immune response. The purpose of the present study was to identify and compare the quantity of nicotine present on root planed and nonroot planed surfaces of teeth from smokers. Twenty-nine single-rooted teeth from 11 smokers were extracted, brushed clean, and the roots sectioned longitudinally. The respective halves were either left untreated (Group A) or thoroughly root planed (Group B). Pulpal tissue was removed and the individual root sections weighed. Each half was extracted for nicotine using a methylene chloride technique. Quantification was performed using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the sections compared on a nicotine per root weight basis. Results showed a greater amount of nicotine present on non-root planed sections than on treated sections, although some treated specimens revealed small amounts of the substance. These findings suggest that nicotine is present on the root surface but is largely removed by thorough root planing. Its presence is not surprising in light of the recent finding that nicotine and cotinine, the major metabolite of nicotine, are found in gingival crevicular fluid. Recent studies have shown a particularly harmful effect of nicotine on fibroblasts. Its presence on root surfaces may, therefore, impair wound healing and alter the host response in periodontal disease. The use of tobacco products in conjunction with periodontal therapy may interfere with optimal healing and/or lead to further periodontal breakdown.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed1992

The effects of the Nd:YAG laser on in vitro fibroblast attachment to endotoxin-treated root surfaces.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Nd:YAG laser on in vitro fibroblast attachment to endotoxin-treated root surfaces and to describe any laser-induced cementum surface alterations. Thirty 4 mm x 4 mm cementum segments were obtained from unerupted third molars. The treatment groups were as follows: 1) control, healthy root segment; 2) non-lased, endotoxin treated; and 3) lased, endotoxin treated. The endotoxin treated roots were soaked in E. coli 055:B5 lipopolysaccharide (556 EU/ml) for 72 hours. The lased, endotoxin-treated root segments were treated with a Nd:YAG laser using a 320 microns contact optic fiber handpiece with an energy setting of 80 mJ at 10 pulses per second for one minute. The root segments were subsequently placed in fibroblast culture dishes for 40 hours and then prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. SEM examination revealed two different types of attachment: flat and round. Flat cells represented firmly attached cells due to well-defined points of attachment and numerous lamellapodia. Round cells possessed few attachment processes and were, therefore, considered poorly attached. The lased, endotoxin-treated root segments had significantly decreased numbers of flat fibroblasts versus the control and non-lased, endotoxin-treated root segments. The absence of flat fibroblasts in the laser treated root segments was a consistent finding. The non-lased, endotoxin-treated root segments had significantly increased numbers of round fibroblasts versus the control and lased, endotoxin treated groups. The lased root segments exhibited surface alterations which included charring, crater formation, cementum meltdown, and tracking.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aluminum Silicates↗
PubMed1997

Root planing following short-term pocket distention.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of root planing following short-term pocket distention. Seventy-five single-rooted teeth with probing depths > or = 5 mm and < or = 10 mm were selected. The teeth were randomly divided into three treatment groups. In groups 1 and 2 a gingival retraction cord (aluminum sulfate-impregnated in group 1 and non-impregnated cord in group 2) was packed subgingivally for 30 minutes. Following removal of the cord, the teeth were scaled and root planed. In group 3 the teeth were root planed only. Following instrumentation, the teeth were extracted and examined under a stereomicroscope. The residual calculus on the root surface of each tooth was measured using a computerized image analysis system. The quantities were compared using a two-way ANOVA and Chi-square test. The results showed that 46.3% of all root surfaces had detectable residual calculus and that the mean percentage of residual calculus per root surface was 4.41% following root planing. Forty percent of the root surfaces in group 1 had residual calculus, 38.0% in group 2, and 61.0% in group 3. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) between groups 1 and 2 compared to group 3. The mean calculus per root surface for groups 1, 2, and 3 was 3.03%, 3.04%, and 7.15%, respectively. Significant differences (P < 0.005) were found between groups 1 and 2 compared to group 3. These results indicate that subgingival calculus removal in deep pockets is enhanced with short-term pocket distention, and that there is no added benefit to having aluminum sulfate present in the retraction cord.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Variation in root density along stream banks.

While it is recognized that vegetation plays a significant role in stream bank stabilization, the effects are not fully quantified. The study goal was to determine the type and density of vegetation that provides the greatest protection against stream bank erosion by determining the density of roots in stream banks. To quantify the density of roots along alluvial stream banks, 25 field sites in the Appalachian Mountains were sampled. The riparian buffers varied from short turfgrass to mature riparian forests, representing a range of vegetation types. Root length density (RLD) with depth and aboveground vegetation density were measured. The sites were divided into forested and herbaceous groups and differences in root density were evaluated. At the herbaceous sites, very fine roots (diameter < 0.5 mm) were most common and more than 75% of all roots were concentrated in the upper 30 cm of the stream bank. Under forested vegetation, fine roots (0.5 mm < diameter < 2.0 mm) were more common throughout the bank profile, with 55% of all roots in the top 30 cm. In the top 30 cm of the bank, herbaceous sites had significantly greater overall RLD than forested sites (alpha = 0.01). While there were no significant differences in total RLD below 30 cm, forested sites had significantly greater concentrations of fine roots, as compared with herbaceous sites (alpha = 0.01). As research has shown that erosion resistance has a direct relationship with fine root density, forested vegetation may provide better protection against stream bank erosion.

Appalachian Region↗
PubMed1988

CT-guided nerve root block and ablation.

We report our experience in performing 52 CT-guided peripheral nerve root blocks and 27 CT-guided nerve root ablations. The nerve root block procedures were performed as diagnostic tests to determine the clinical significance of equivocal herniated disk or foraminal stenosis (n = 33) and before nerve root ablations (n = 19). To evaluate the clinical significance of these nerve root blocks, we performed 52 procedures at the vertebral level where a herniated disk or foraminal stenosis had been identified on CT or MR images. In 51 of 52 cases, the procedures were successful in anesthetizing the intended nerve root, which allowed us to determine whether that particular nerve root was the source of pain. By relieving or not relieving pain, the results of the diagnostic nerve root blocks helped determine whether a protrusion or foraminal stenosis was clinically significant. The nerve root ablations were done exclusively for treatment of pain in patients with malignant disease. Significant relief of pain was obtained in 17 (63%) of 27 patients. The thoracic nerve ablations were the most successful (9/10 or 90%) because the correct thoracic nerve innervation to the offending lesion could be identified. The lumbosacral nerve ablation procedures were the least successful (6/14 or 43%) because the innervation of the pelvic neoplasms was complex, arising from multiple lumbosacral nerves that often were bilateral. Equivocal foraminal stenosis and disk protrusion are common findings on CT and MR imaging, and CT-guided nerve block procedures can help determine which of these findings are clinically significant. CT-guided nerve root ablations have limited efficacy but can help control pain in patients with a malignant disease, especially when the pain is in the distribution of a thoracic nerve dermatome.

Ethanol↗

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