Kambin’s Triangle Approach versus Traditional Safe Triangle Approach for Percutaneous Transforaminal Epidural Adhesiolysis Using an Inflatable Balloon Catheter: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Spinal stenosis is a common condition in elderly individuals. Many patients are unresponsive to the conventional treatment. If the transforaminal epidural block does not exert a sufficient treatment effect, percutaneous transforaminal epidural adhesiolysis (PTFA) through the safe-triangle approach using an inflatable balloon catheter can reduce the patients’ pain and improve their functional capacity. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Kambin’s-triangle approach for PTFA using an inflatable balloon catheter and compare this approach to the traditional safe-triangle approach. Thirty patients with chronic unilateral L5 radiculopathy were divided into two groups: the safe-triangle-approach and Kambin’s-triangle-approach groups, with 15 patients each. The success rate of the procedure was assessed. Pain and dysfunction were assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale and Oswestry Disability Index, respectively, before the procedure and at 1 and 3 months after the procedure. The success rate of the procedure was high in both the groups, with no significant difference between the groups. The Numerical Rating Scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores significantly decreased 3 months after the procedure in both the groups, with no significant difference between the groups. For patients in whom the safe-triangle approach for PTFA is difficult, the Kambin’s-triangle approach could be an alternative.