Persistent back pain that radiates down the leg can be caused by irritated or compressed nerve roots. Possible causes include, for example, a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or changes resulting from a previous spinal surgery.
The Racz catheter offers a minimally invasive treatment method in which medication is delivered directly to the affected area of the spine via a thin, flexible catheter. At the same time, adhesions and scar tissue in the epidural space can be treated.
At the ROC in Aschheim near Munich, we use the Racz catheter procedure for selected patients when their symptoms and imaging findings indicate that this treatment is appropriate.
The Racz catheter is a thin, flexible, specialized catheter that is inserted into the epidural space of the spine and advanced under imaging guidance to the affected spinal segment.
The procedure is also known as percutaneous epidural neurolysis or epidural adhesiolysis. The goal is to deliver pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications as precisely as possible to irritated nerve structures and to break up existing adhesions in the area of the nerve root.
As a result, this treatment may be an option, particularly when conservative measures have not provided sufficient relief and the goal is to avoid or delay surgery.
Whether Racz catheter treatment is an option does not depend solely on the MRI findings. The key factor is whether the symptoms can be attributed to a specific nerve root or spinal segment.
Before treatment, we carefully assess the cause of the symptoms and determine whether the Racz catheter is appropriate for the individual's situation.
A herniated disc can irritate or compress a nerve root. Typical symptoms include pain that can radiate from the back through the buttocks and down into the leg. Depending on which nerve is affected, tingling or numbness may also occur.
If conservative treatments are not sufficiently effective, targeted interventional therapy may be another treatment option.
In the Racz procedure, the catheter is advanced to a location near the affected nerve root. This allows medication to be delivered directly to the site of the irritation.
Important: Not every herniated disc requires interventional or surgical treatment. The appropriate treatment depends on the symptoms, neurological findings, and imaging results.
Spinal canal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal is narrowed. This can put pressure on nerve structures. Typical symptoms include pain, abnormal sensations, or a reduced walking distance.
In selected patients, Racz catheter treatment may be used to treat inflammatory irritation in the area of the affected nerves.
However, the catheter does not eliminate the structural narrowing of the spinal canal. Therefore, a thorough examination is essential to determine whether the procedure is appropriate in each individual case.
A thorough orthopedic examination is performed prior to treatment. Any existing MRI images are compared with the patient’s symptoms and clinical findings. If necessary, additional imaging may be performed.
The actual treatment is performed using a minimally invasive approach:
1. Preparation and Local Anesthesia
The injection site is numbed with a local anesthetic. Depending on the treatment, sedation may also be administered.
2. Insertion of the catheter
A thin catheter is inserted into the epidural space through a special needle and carefully advanced to the affected area.
3. Checking the catheter position
The catheter's position is checked under X-ray guidance using a contrast agent.
4. Targeted treatment
The prescribed medications are administered directly into the affected area via the catheter. In addition, adhesions and scarring in the epidural space can be treated.
5. Completion of Treatment
Depending on the individual treatment plan, the catheter is then removed or left in place temporarily for further treatments.
The Racz catheter procedure provides targeted access to painful and inflamed areas of the spine.
Possible benefits include:
Whether these benefits apply in a specific case can only be determined after a thorough evaluation.
After the procedure, you will initially be monitored by medical staff. How soon you can resume physical activity depends on your individual condition and the extent of the treatment.
In the long term, pain management should be combined with active treatment whenever possible. This may include physical therapy, targeted muscle strengthening, and a personalized exercise program.
Thanks to our close collaboration with ROC Physio, we can tailor further therapy directly to the orthopedic findings as needed.
The Racz catheter is not suitable for every type of back pain. In particular, nonspecific back pain with no signs of an irritated nerve root often requires different treatment approaches.
Even in cases of severe neurological deficits, it is necessary to determine whether surgical treatment is required. Newly occurring symptoms of paralysis, as well as bladder or bowel dysfunction, must be evaluated by a doctor immediately.
That is why, at the ROC, every interventional spinal procedure is preceded by a thorough diagnostic evaluation.
Back pain can have a wide variety of causes. That’s why we don’t just treat the findings from an MRI; instead, we consider your symptoms, the physical examination, and the imaging results together.
At the ROC, we have access to orthopedic diagnostic tools, an open MRI scanner, and various conservative and minimally invasive treatment options. Based on this information, we will work with you to determine whether Racz catheter treatment is appropriate or if another therapy is better suited to your situation.
Would you like to know which treatment is right for your back pain? Schedule an appointment for an orthopedic examination and consultation at the ROC in Aschheim, near Munich.
Specialists
Experienced physicians with many years of expertise in regenerative medicine
Personalized consultation
Customized treatment plans tailored to your specific condition
Innovative Technology
State-of-the-art equipment and scientifically sound methods
In-house laboratory
In-house laboratory diagnostics and scientifically based therapies
Dr. med. Daniel Filesch
Specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery
Martina Berger
Doctor for regenerative orthopaedic procedures
Dr. med. Edan Manos
Doctor for regenerative orthopaedic procedures
Patrick Heine
Specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery
