Application of epidural steroid injection for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation in Vietnam

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) have been mentioned by international medical literature as an option for treatment and pain relief for patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Several studies worldwide have recognized the efficacy of treating LDH with ESIs to be between 72-86%. Our study aimed to elucidate the ESIs technique's effectiveness, advantages, and disadvantages. A 30-day pre-post study in 100 LDH patients underwent the ESIs technique. Patients meeting the criteria received physical examinations and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans before undergoing the method. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was applied to assess the patient's hospitalization condition after ESIs 1 day, 7 days, and 30 days. After 1 day of ESIs, 85% of patients responded well (10% excellent and 75% moderate), and this prevalence increased up to 95% after 7 days and 30 of follow-up. The ESIs safety assessment after 1 day of treatment recorded that 2% of patients had complications and 24% had medication side effects. After 7 days, 4% of patients had epigastric pain and no more complications. Treatment outcomes of ESIs were effective and high safety in patients with LDH.