A randomized, double-blind, active-control trial of the effectiveness of lumbar interlaminar epidural injections in disc herniation.

摘要: BACKGROUND Among the multiple nonsurgical modalities, epidural injections are one of most commonly utilized treatment modalities in managing chronic low back and lower extremity pain due to disc herniation radiculitis. There is a paucity randomized trials from contemporary interventional management settings utilizing fluoroscopy with long-term follow-up. STUDY DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial 2-year SETTING An practice United States. OBJECTIVE The objective was assess effectiveness lumbar interlaminar local anesthetic or without steroids for METHODS Two groups patients were studied, 60 each group receiving either only mixed betamethasone. OUTCOME MEASURES primary outcome measure defined as relief functional status improvement 50%. outcomes assessed by numeric rating scale (NRS) Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary measures included employment opioid intake. RESULTS Results showed significant 60% Group I 70% II at end 2 years. In addition, successful groups, those least 3 weeks (with first procedures), 72% 71% II. somewhat superior 6 months 12 steroid group. Thus, results indicate that patient's failure respond alone, may be treated addition steroids. LIMITATIONS study limited lack placebo CONCLUSION Lumbar an effective modality, function limiting secondary after conservative modalities.