Phenol neurolysis in people with spinal cord injury: a descriptive study

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-022-00556-0 · Published: November 29, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Pain Management

Simple Explanation

This study looks at using phenol neurolysis to manage spasticity in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Spasticity is a common problem after SCI that can cause disability. Phenol is injected into nerves to reduce spasticity. The study describes which nerves are commonly targeted and how safe and effective this procedure is. The study found that phenol neurolysis can be safely used to manage spasticity in people with SCI, especially when combined with electrical stimulation and ultrasound guidance to target the nerves.

Study Duration

April 2017 to August 2018

Participants

66 people with SCI and spasticity

Evidence Level

Descriptive study

Key Findings

1
The obturator nerve (33%) and pectoral nerves (23%) were the most frequent targets for phenol neurolysis in people with SCI.
2
Immediate post-phenol neurolysis improvement or reduction in spasticity was reported for 92% of all documented encounters.
3
No procedure-related adverse events were documented in this cohort during the specified time frame.

Research Summary

This study reviewed the use of phenol neurolysis for spasticity management in 66 people with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found that phenol neurolysis, guided by electrical stimulation and ultrasound, is a safe method for reducing spasticity in SCI patients. The most common targets were the obturator and pectoral nerves, and a high percentage of encounters resulted in immediate spasticity reduction without documented adverse events.

Practical Implications

Safe Spasticity Management

Phenol neurolysis can be safely used to manage spasticity in people with SCI when performed under combined electrical stimulation and ultrasound guidance.

Targeted Nerve Selection

The obturator and pectoral nerves are common and effective targets for phenol neurolysis in SCI patients with spasticity.

Combined Therapies

Phenol neurolysis may be used alongside other treatment modalities such as botulinum neurotoxin, microsurgical selective peripheral neurotomy, intrathecal baclofen therapy, and oral medications for optimal spasticity management.

Study Limitations

1
Single center study limits generalizability.
2
Lack of pre and post-injection evaluations with MAS for all patients and no control group.
3
Missing data on the effects of phenol neurolysis on range of motion, pain, activities of daily living, functional mobility, and quality of life.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury