The short-term effect of ultrasound and peripheral nerve stimulator-guided femoral nerve block with phenol on the outcomes of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury

Study design A pre-post descriptive study. Objectives To examine the immediate effects of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block with phenol (UGFNBwP) in managing the lower limb spasticity of individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting Ankara, Turkey. Methods Nineteen patients with traumatic SCI presenting with lower extremity spasticity were treated with UGFNBwP. Modified Ashworth Scale of hip flexion and knee extension, functional independence measure motor subscale, difficulty of catheterization, hygiene score, spasm frequency, sleep quality, and patient satisfaction (PS) were measured in all patients prior to treatment, in the first week and second month. Results There was a statistically significant decrease in the Modified Ashworth Scale scores in the first week and second month compared to baseline (p < 0.017). Significant improvements were detected in functional independence measure motor subscale, DoC, HS, SF and PS at follow-up examinations compared to baseline (p < 0.017). No statistically significant difference in the SQ score was found. Patients reported no complications during the intervention and follow-up period. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block with phenol is an option worth considering to reduce spasticity and improve function in people with SCI.