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Epidural steroid injection: a procedure ideally performed with fluoroscopic control
G Y el-Khoury1, S Ehara, J N Weinstein
1Department of Radiology, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinic, Iowa City.
Radiology
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Epidural steroid injections with local anesthesia effectively treat low back pain. This minimally invasive procedure, guided by fluoroscopy, showed a high success rate with very few complications in a recent study.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Interventional Radiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Low back pain is a prevalent condition impacting millions globally.
- Conservative treatments for low back pain are often insufficient.
- Epidural injections offer a minimally invasive therapeutic option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of epidural steroid and local anesthesia injections for treating low back pain.
- To assess the success rate and complication incidence of this specific injection technique.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 116 patients suffering from low back pain.
- Epidural injections were performed using fluoroscopic guidance.
- Needle placement was confirmed with a limited epidurogram.
Main Results:
- The technique demonstrated a high success rate, with only three failures reported (2.5%).
- A single complication occurred during the study period.
- The procedure proved to be highly effective in alleviating low back pain.
Conclusions:
- Epidural injection of steroid and local anesthesia is a safe and effective treatment for low back pain.
- Fluoroscopic control and epidurogram documentation enhance procedural accuracy and patient outcomes.