A series of transforaminal epidural steroid injections in acute lumbar disc herniation with unilateral radiculopathy

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate functional outcomes of patients suffering from unilateral lower limb radiculopathy due to lumbar disc herniation conservatively treated with transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI). Materials and Methods: It is a prospective study of 100 patients. We correlated clinical findings with magnetic resonance imaging. The patients are treated with dexamethasone injection through transforaminal epidural space under C-ARM guidance using Kambin's triangle approach with follow-up at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Assessment of functional outcomes is done by visual analog scale (VAS) and modified Oswestry disability index (ODI). Results: Eighty-eight percent of patients significantly improved their radicular pain, according to the VAS scoring system and modified ODI. The mean modified ODI score of preinjection was found to be 64.18; it was reduced to 33.9 at 3 weeks, 30.82 at 6 weeks, 24.04 at 9 weeks, 22.04 at 12 weeks, and 19.38 at 6 months. The t = 18.49 and the P < 0.00001. Preinjection mean VAS was 8, 3.98 at 3 weeks, 3.28 at 6 weeks, 3.04 at 9 weeks, 2.72 at 12 weeks, and reduced to 2.14 at 24 weeks. The t = 19.83 and the P < 0.00001. There were no complications seen during our study. Conclusion: Our study justifies that unilateral lower limb radiculopathy due to lumbar disc herniation can be well managed by TFESI without any complication. It is very less invasive technique, safe, and effective for pain relief.