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Discoblock

Date: Dec 13, 2018

Question:

How do you code a discoblock? "INDICATION: Axial lower back pain. Severe degenerative disc disease with Modic type II endplate change at L5/S1. Procedure: Using fluoroscopy, the appropriate skin entry site was localized and anesthetized with 1% lidocaine for the L3/4 disc space level. Using intermittent fluoroscopic guidance 7 inch 20-gauge Chiba needle was advanced until the correct trajectory was obtained. The fluoroscope was then turned into the Lateral position. The needle was then advanced in small increments the needle tip was inserted into the central aspect of the L5/S1 disc space. AP and lateral confirmed the centrally located needle tip. At this point approximately 0.5 mL of Omnipaque-180 IV contrast was injected to confirm intranuclear needle tip position. This was followed by 0.75 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine. The needle was removed. After the procedure, the patient described only 10% relief of back pain. IMPRESSION: Technically successful L5/S1 discoblock."

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