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Cervical epidural steroid injections for symptomatic disc herniations
Eric L Lin1, Vi Lieu, Lee Halevi
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA. elin@mednet.ucla.edu
Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques
|June 14, 2006
Summary
Cervical epidural steroid injections offer significant relief for herniated cervical discs, with 63% of patients avoiding surgery. This nonoperative treatment is a viable option for radicular pain management.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Pain Management
- Spinal Medicine
Background:
- Cervical disc herniations commonly cause radicular pain due to nerve root impingement.
- Surgical decompression is often considered for persistent symptoms.
- Cervical epidural injections have not been extensively studied for this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of cervical epidural steroid injections.
- To assess the impact on surgical intervention rates for symptomatic herniated cervical discs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 70 patients with herniated cervical discs.
- Patients had failed conservative management and were surgical candidates.
- Offered trial of cervical epidural injections; outcomes and surgical incidence were examined.
Main Results:
- 63% of patients (44/70) experienced significant symptom relief and avoided surgery.
- 92% of surgically treated patients had successful symptom resolution.
- 65.3% reported good/excellent outcomes; 75% would repeat the procedure. Older patients and earlier injections showed better results.
Conclusions:
- Cervical epidural injections are a reasonable nonoperative treatment for symptomatic cervical disc herniations.
- Success rates are comparable to lumbar epidural injections.
- Radicular symptom relief and avoidance of surgery are possible for up to one year.