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Complications Associated with Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections
1Jefferson Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 3 Crescent Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19112, USA.
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|September 29, 2020
Summary
Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) for radicular pain have a low rate of minor complications (2.4-9.6%). While major complications are rare, awareness and prompt treatment are crucial for managing potential risks.
Area of Science:
- Pain Medicine
- Interventional Radiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Low back pain with radicular symptoms is a leading cause of disability.
- Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) is a common treatment for lumbar radiculitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the complications associated with lumbar TFESI.
- To identify both minor and major complications of this procedure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of reported complications associated with lumbar TFESI.
Main Results:
- Minor complications occurred at a rate of 2.4% to 9.6%.
- Major complications, such as spinal abscess, spinal cord infarct, and epidural hematoma, were documented as rare case reports.
- Spinal cord infarcts could lead to permanent deficits, but some patients recovered with intervention.
Conclusions:
- Lumbar TFESI is generally a safe treatment for lumbar radicular pain.
- Pain specialists must be aware of rare but severe complications.
- Early recognition and treatment are vital for improving patient outcomes.
Keywords:
Epidural abscessEpidural hematomaLow back painLumbar transforaminal epidural injectionRadicular symptomsSpinal cord infarctionMore Related Videos
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