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Proximal Versus Distal Superior Cluneal Nerve Block in Entrapment Neuropathy

NCT07372430 · Status: RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 54

Last updated 2026-01-28

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Superior cluneal nerve (SCN) entrapment is an underdiagnosed cause of chronic low back and gluteal pain. Although diagnostic nerve block is considered the gold standard for confirming SCN entrapment, there is no consensus regarding the optimal injection approach. This prospective observational study aims to compare the clinical effectiveness of proximal and distal ultrasound-guided SCN block techniques in patients diagnosed with SCN entrapment. Pain intensity and functional outcomes will be evaluated over the follow-up period to assess differences between the two approaches.

Conditions

  • Cluneal Syndrome

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Ultrasound-guided distal superior cluneal nerve injection

The ultrasound probe will be placed over the posterior superior iliac crest to visualize the fibro-osseous tunnel where the superior cluneal nerve passes. Using an in-plane approach, the needle will be advanced toward the target area, and the injection will be administered at the fascial exit point of the nerve. A total injectate volume of 5 cc (2 cc bupivacaine, 2 cc dexamethasone, and 1 cc normal saline) will be administered. All procedures will be performed in the prone position under standard aseptic conditions.

PROCEDURE

Ultrasound-guided proximal superior cluneal nerve injection

Patients randomized to the proximal injection group will undergo ultrasound-guided injection above the iliac crest level. The target will be the plane beneath the posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia. Using an in-plane approach, the injectate will be delivered into the interfascial plane. A total injectate volume of 5 cc (2 cc bupivacaine, 2 cc dexamethasone, and 1 cc normal saline) will be administered under ultrasound guidance. Patient positioning and aseptic conditions will be identical to those used in the distal perineural injection group.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Gaziosmanpasa Research and Education Hospital

    lead OTHER_GOV

Principal Investigators

  • Tugce Yavuz Mollavelioglu, MD · Gaziosmanapasa Educational and Training Hospital

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
75 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-12-12
Primary Completion
2026-06-01
Completion
2026-07-01

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07372430 on ClinicalTrials.gov