Application of ultrasound-guided C5 nerve root block using polydeoxyribonucleotide in traumatic C5 nerve root injury caused by fracture of the articular process of the cervical spine

RATIONALE Cervical nerve root injury is one of the complications of traumatic cervical spine fracture. Although one of the most effective treatments to reduce inflammation in nerve root injuries is the use of corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids and NSAIDs can inhibit bone healing. So, when nerve injury accompanies bone fractures, corticosteroids and NSAIDs have limitations as therapeutic agents. However, polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) may be useful in the treatment of neuropathy or musculoskeletal pain patients with contraindication of the use of corticosteroids because of its anti-inflammatory effect, as revealed in previous studies. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no report of treatment of traumatic nerve root injury due to an articular process fracture with an ultrasound-guided cervical nerve root block (NRB) using PDRN. PATIENTS CONCERNS A 54-year-old female patient with motor weakness of the left upper extremity and tingling sensation in the left neck and shoulder. DIAGNOSES:: traumatic C5 nerve root injury due to a fracture of the left articular process in the C4 spine. INTERVENTION Ultrasound-guided C5 NRB using PDRN. OUTCOMES Her motor weakness and sensory symptoms of the left upper extremity were significantly improved after treatment using an ultrasound-guided C5 NRB using PDRN. LESSONS Although it is impossible to draw a conclusion from a single case report, we suggest the ultrasound-guided NRB using PDRN could be a useful treatment for alleviating motor weakness and neuropathic pain caused by traumatic spinal nerve root injury in situations where corticosteroids cannot be used.