Efficacy Of Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections in Lumbar Radicular Pain

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Interventional Pain Medicine
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Radicular low back pain often necessitates advanced treatment after conservative methods fail.
• Lumbar disc herniation is a common cause of persistent radiculopathy.
• Evaluating non-operative interventions is crucial for managing chronic low back pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI).
• To evaluate TFESI in patients with radicular low back pain unresponsive to conservative care.
• To determine pain reduction and functional status improvements following TFESI.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 252 patients with lumbar radiculopathy due to disc herniation.
• C-arm fluoroscopy-guided TFESI with a subpedicular approach.
• Pain (VAS) and disability (ODI) assessed at baseline, 2 weeks, and 3 months.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in pain (VAS) and function (ODI) were observed at 2 weeks and 3 months (p < 0.001).
• At 3 months, over 55% of patients experienced significant pain relief and functional improvement.
• Treatment success rates for various pain types ranged from 57.5% to 74.2%.

Conclusions:

• TFESI is an effective non-operative treatment for lumbar radiculopathy.
• Significant mid-term pain reduction and functional gains are achievable with TFESI.
• TFESI serves as a valuable alternative to surgery for selected patients.