Ultrasound-guided transgluteal nerve block versus usual ER care for acute sciatica
Official title: Comparing Ultrasound-Guided Transgluteal Nerve Block to Standard Care for Emergency Department Patients With Low Back Pain and Sciatic Radiculopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University of California, San Francisco · NCT07397117 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test tries a transgluteal sciatic nerve block to see if it reduces pain better than usual emergency-room care for adults with acute sciatica.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Francisco, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 26, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | January 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07397117 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 or older who present to the ED with unilateral sciatica-type lumbosacral radicular pain radiating to the leg and a pain score of at least 5/10, who can give informed consent and have no contraindications to nerve block, are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with neurological deficits (bowel/bladder dysfunction or leg weakness), suspected spinal infection or tumor, allergy to local anesthetics, active coagulopathy or anticoagulation, or inability to consent are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults presenting to the emergency department with unilateral lumbosacral radicular pain and a pain score of 5/10 or higher will be randomized to receive either an ultrasound-guided transgluteal sciatic nerve block with ropivacaine or standard medical treatment. Pain scores and a short timed walking test will be recorded to compare short-term pain relief and functional improvement. Randomization and follow-up occur during the ED encounter and the immediate post-treatment period. The trial focuses on short-term outcomes in patients without neurologic deficits or contraindications to local anesthetic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide faster and greater pain relief in the emergency department and reduce the need for systemic opioids while improving short-term mobility.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies of peripheral nerve blocks for radicular and sciatic pain have shown short-term pain relief, but the specific transgluteal sciatic nerve block in ED patients has been less extensively studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years and older * Presentation to ED with: * Acute or acute-on-chronic pain consistent with sciatica, defined as unilateral lumbosacral radicular pain radiating from the lower back or gluteal region to the posterior leg, may extend distal to the knee. * Pain score ≥ 5/10 on Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) Exclusion Criteria: * Known allergy to study medications (e.g., local anesthetics) * Coagulopathy or current anticoagulation therapy * Suspected or confirmed spinal infection, or tumor * Neurological deficits (bowel or bladder dysfunction, leg weakness) * Inability to provide informed consent
Where it's running
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jeanne Noble, MD — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Tianyu Tang, MD
- Email: tianyu.tang@ucsf.edu
- Phone: 628-247-7578
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
SNAG versus sciatic nerve mobilization for non-specific sciatica
This study will try whether a hands-on SNAG spinal glide or home-based sciatic nerve mobilization exercises work better to reduce pain and improve function in adults aged 20–50 with chronic non-specific sciatica.
-
Testing a new medication for low back and leg pain relief.
This study is testing a new medication to see if it can help people aged 18 to 80 with back and leg pain feel better.
-
Steroid Injections for Back and Neck Pain: What Works Best
This study tests different steroid injections and combinations to see what provides the best pain relief and function for adults with back or neck pain.
-
Somatosensory motor training with or without Kinesio tape for sciatica
This trial tests whether adding Kinesio tape to somatosensory motor control training helps people with discogenic sciatica reduce pain and improve movement and balance.
-
Three CT Signs of Nerve-Root Suffering in Low-Back Sciatica: How Often They Occur in Patients Referred for CT-Guided Nerve-Root Infiltration
This study tests whether three specific CT signs align with the nerve root causing symptoms in adults with low-back sciatica who are scheduled for CT-guided nerve-root infiltration.
-
Comparing tensioner vs slider neurodynamic techniques for sciatic nerve pain
This trial tests whether tensioner or slider neurodynamic therapy is better at reducing pain and improving function for people with sciatica.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.