Epidural Steroid Injections Research Articles

Transforaminal Epidural Injection with Local Anesthesia and Steroid for Single-level Radiculopathy and Pain Score: A Prospective Study in the Tertiary Center of Western Nepal

Introduction: Radiculopathy resulting from prolapse of intervertebral disc commonly at L4-L5 and L5-S1, the prominent cause of low back pain affecting daily activities and has a significant socioeconomic burden. Hence, this needs to be addressed with a prominent solution, of which, the transforaminal epidural steroid injection has been one of the promising solutions these days. Aims: To assess the short term and long-term pain relief after transforaminal epidural steroid injection. Methods: 58 patients with radiculopathy at the single level of the lumbar or lumbosacral region were included for transforaminal epidural steroid injection with local anesthesia. Visual analog score, pain score was recorded before, in 15 minutes and four weeks after the steroid injection under C-arm guidance. Statistical analysis was done on the basis of Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, Spearman’s correlation test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically. Results: The change in Visual Analog Score from the time of presentation in relation to short and long term was significant, viz; VAS0 VAS15m p<0.5 and VAS0/VAS4wks was p<0.5. There was a positive correlation between immediate pain relief and long-term pain reduction however it was not significant (r=0.28, p=0.10) Conclusion: This study suggested the improvement of symptoms with transforaminal epidural steroid injection with local anesthesia and showed a positive correlation between immediate and long-term relief of pain, however it may not be significant.

Retrospective study of the efficacy of methylprednisolone vs. triamcinolone in lumbar epidural steroid injections for the treatment of low back pain due to degenerative disc disease

ObjectiveA common low back pain treatment is epidural injection of corticosteroids. The nominal target of anti-inflammatory corticosteroid drugs is the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). In vitro studies show many clinically used steroids also activate the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) with substantial potency. Based on preclinical studies, this may have pro-inflammatory and pro-nociceptive effects that counter the desired GR effects. Of two outpatient pain clinics associated with the University of Cincinnati Department of Anesthesiology, one primarily used methylprednisolone while the other used mainly triamcinolone for epidural steroid injections. We hypothesized that triamcinolone would give better outcomes because in vitro, ratio of MR/GR potency is about 10 fold less favorable for methylprednisolone.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of adults receiving lumbar epidural steroid injection for low back pain due to degenerative disc disease at the two pain clinics. For subjects treated at the first clinic, we obtained basic demographics, smoking history, 2 primary outcomes (patient-rated percent improvement in pain levels, and injection outcome rated as poor, partial, or good), and pain ratings (0–10 scale) before and after injection. For analysis, a subset of subjects from the second clinic was matched as closely as possible (sex, age, race, and ethnicity) to those from the first clinic.ResultsEighty-six subjects from the first clinic were identified, of whom fifty-five met inclusion criteria. Review of 83 potentially matched subjects from the second clinic yielded 37 subjects. From this combined set of subjects, 44 receiving triamcinolone and 48 receiving methylprednisolone were obtained. Matching was effective in avoiding significant differences between the two drug groups in age, weight, sex, race, and body mass index, however, the incidence of smoking (current and former) was significantly higher in the methylprednisolone group (who were primarily from clinic 1). The injection responses codified on a 0–2 scale, where 0 indicated a poor response, 1 a partial response with a second injection recommended, and 2 a good response where no further treatment was recommended at the 1 month follow up point, were not significantly different between the groups (Mann–Whitney, p = 0.44) although the triamcinolone group overall had slightly better responses. However, the patient-reported percent improvement after the injection was significantly better for the triamcinolone than for methylprednisolone (60% ± 5.3 vs. 42% ± 4.9), as was the pain ratings (0–10 scale) after the injection (5.0 ± 0.5 vs. 6.3 ± 0.3). A marked demographic difference between the two clinics in smoking rates was not controlled for in subject matching but accounting for smoking status did not affect the observed differences between the two steroids.ConclusionsDifferences in the two primary outcomes, patient-reported percent improvement and pain ratings after epidural steroid injection, were consistent with the hypothesis that more GR-selective steroids may give better outcomes though the differences were modest. We propose that one factor in choosing steroids should be their relative potency in also activating the pro-inflammatory mineralocorticoid receptor.Graphical

Long-term outcomes of caudal epidural steroid injection in failed back surgery syndrome patients with loss of resistance technique

Background: Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a complicated issue with various treatment approaches. This retrospective study assesses the success and safety of caudal epidural steroid injection (CESI) in FBSS patients utilizing the loss of resistance (LOR) strategy, focusing on long-term outcomes lasting up to two years. Methods: The 75 FBSS patients had CESI with triamcinolone and normal saline under local anesthesia. The visual analog score (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and patient satisfaction score (PSS) were measured at pre-intervention and 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months following the procedure. Result: Majority of patients (57.33%) reported bilateral sciatica, with recurrent disc herniation (54.67%) being the most prevalent MRI finding. Significant improvements (p<0.001) in VAS, ODI, and PSS scores were seen in all subsequent periods. Furthermore, no significant issues reported, demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of CESI with LOR. Conclusions: CESI with the LOR technique is helpful treatment in FBSS at three, six, twelve, eighteen, and twenty-four months. It is easy to perform, less technically demanding, has low complications, and lower costs than surgery. A CESI may offer an alternative approach to managing FBSS for short-term and long-term outcomes.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension mimicking iatrogenic spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

To raise awareness that patients with persistent post-dural puncture headache should be considered for evaluation of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) due to a spinal CSF leak may occur following more-or-less trivial traumatic events. We report our experience with spontaneous spinal CSF leaks that occur following percutaneous or open spine procedures, a potential source of diagnostic confusion. In a retrospective cohort study, using a prospectively maintained database of patients with SIH, we identified all new patients evaluated between January 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, who were referred for evaluation of an iatrogenic spinal CSF leak but were found to have a spontaneous spinal CSF leak. Nine (4%) of the 248 patients with SIH were originally referred for evaluation of an iatrogenic spinal CSF leak. The spinal procedures included epidural steroid injections, laminectomies, epidural anesthesia, and lumbar puncture. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed changes in intracranial hypotension in seven of the nine patients (78%). The spontaneous CSF leak was found to be at least five levels removed from the spinal procedure in all patients. A spontaneous spinal CSF leak should be suspected in patients with recalcitrant orthostatic headaches following a spinal procedure, even if symptoms of the leak occur within hours of the spinal procedure and especially if brain MRI is abnormal.

The exponential growth of nonsurgeons performing fusions for low-back pain.

This study aimed to report changes in utilization and payment trends of low-back pain (LBP) interventions and the impact of nonsurgeon interventionalists on these changes. Medicare Part B national summary data files were used to gather annual utilization and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) payment data for LBP interventions from 2000 to 2021. Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes were grouped as decompression, spinal fusion, sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion, epidural steroid injections (ESIs), physical therapy (PT), and chiropractic manipulation (Chiro). The total allowed services and payments were collected for each HCPCS group. CMS provider-level files, available from 2013 to 2021, were used to collect neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon, and nonsurgeon interventionalist (interventional radiology and pain management) data for each surgical HCPCS code group (decompression, spinal fusion, and SI joint fusion). The United States Consumer Price Index was used to adjust for inflation. From 2000 to 2021, there were 339,720,725 Medicare-approved interventions and payments of approximately $21 billion for LBP (percentage of cumulative payments: 41.8% Chiro, 16.5% ESI, 14.4% spinal fusion, 14.3% PT, 10.2% decompression, and 0.4% SI joint fusion). In a subgroup analysis, spinal fusions for Medicare patients were performed by orthopedic surgeons (59.2%), neurosurgeons (40.6%), and nonsurgeon interventionalists (< 1%) from 2013 to 2021. From 2013 to 2021, neurosurgeon and orthopedic surgeon fusion utilization each grew by < 3% and associated Medicare payments to each specialty declined by 1% each year. During the same period, nonsurgeon interventionalist utilization grew 26% each year and associated Medicare payments to nonsurgeon interventionalists for spine fusions grew 62% each year. In a subgroup analysis, SI joint fusions for Medicare patients were performed by orthopedic surgeons (50.7%), neurosurgeons (24.8%), and nonsurgeon interventionalists (24.5%) from 2018 to 2021. Neurosurgeon utilization of SI joint fusion declined by 1% each year and associated Medicare payments to this group grew 2% each year. Orthopedic surgeon utilization of SI joint fusion declined 1% and associated Medicare payments to this group grew 4% each year. Nonsurgeon interventionalist use of SI joint fusions grew 415% and payments grew 435% each year. The substantial growth in Medicare payments for surgical LBP interventions is disproportionally driven by nonsurgeon interventionalists. The exponential growth of nonsurgeon interventionalists performing spinal fusion surgeries, particularly SI joint fusions, largely accounts for the significant increase in Medicare expenditures.

How soon after an epidural steroid injection can you predict the patient's response?

BackgroundEpidural steroid injections (ESI) are utilized for the management of radicular pain, but there are no previous published studies that detail the specific timeline of patient response to an ESI. PurposeTo describe patients’ temporal response in pain relief following an ESI. Study design/settingProspective in vivo study of consecutive patients at an outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic at a single academic spine center. Patient sample134 consecutive patients who received an ESI between January 2020 through June 2020. MethodsPatients were contacted every 3 days ± 1 day for 21 days post ESI to assess pain as measured via 11-point numeric pain score and subjective percentage pain relief question. Results134 consecutive patients were enrolled, with 108 (80.6 %) having follow-up data through 3 weeks post ESI. At 3 weeks, 51/108 patients (47.2 %) had reported a successful response as defined by at least 50 % reduction of their pain index. Of these 51 patients, 37 (72.5 %) reported >50 % relief on day 1, a further 11 (21.6 %) first reported >50 % relief on day 4, and the remaining 3 (5.9 %) successes first reported >50 % relief on days 13, 16, and 22. 57/108 patients (52.8 %) were non-responders, most of whom never reached the 50 % threshold at any time point. Of these non-responders, 19/57 (33.3 %) did report >50 % relief on day 1. Those patient's pain relief fell below 50 % on day 4 (12/19 patients, 63.2 %), day 7 (5/19 patients, 26.3 %), day 13 (1 patient, 5.3 %), and day 16 (1 patient, 5.3 %). A positive response or negative response at each follow up point was looked at as a predictor of a concordant three-week outcome for the population. The positive likelihood ratio at follow-up day 1, day 4, day 7, and day 10, was 2.14, 6.12, 7.97, and 40 respectively. The negative likelihood ratio at follow-up day 1, day 4, day 7, and day 10 was 0.42, 0.15, 0.16, and 0.24 respectively. Discussion/conclusionThis is the first study to meticulously follow up patients every 72 h after ESI. A patient's response on day 4, either positive or negative, is predictive of their 3-week outcome. Sustained relief at day 7 or 10 further increases the likelihood of a positive 3-week outcome.

The annoyance of singultus: a case report of a rare adverse effect after epidural steroid injection

ObjectiveCervical epidural steroid injections (ESIs) can provide effective pain management for patients suffering from chronic neck pain due to various pathological changes of the cervical spine. There are several rare adverse effects reported from interventional pain procedures, including persistent hiccups (“singultus”). Based on a limited number of cases, we propose a modified treatment algorithm for this adverse outcome (Fig. 3).Case reportSingultus has been documented as an adverse effect of interventional pain procedures, including epidural steroid, facet joint, and sacroiliac joint injections. We describe the case of a general contractor who presented to our clinic with chronic neck pain and central canal stenosis. The patient received an uncomplicated lumbar ESI in the past and was recommended for a cervical interlaminar ESI. After an uneventful C6-C7 interlaminar ESI with dexamethasone, 1% lidocaine, and normal saline the patient developed singultus. Baclofen was sent to his pharmacy, but this was unsuccessful at alleviating his hiccups. The patient was subsequently started on chlorpromazine and found relief from his symptomatology.ConclusionPersistent hiccups after ESI or interventional pain procedures can be treated with conservative measures and non-pharmacologic methods, with escalation to therapy with baclofen, gabapentin, pregabalin, metoclopramide, chlorpromazine, other antipsychotic or antidopaminergic agents, and possible dual or triple therapy if further indicated.

Radicular Pain Management Using Ultrasound-Guided Versus Fluoroscopy-Guided Epidural Steroid Injections: A Systematic Scoping Review of Comparative Studies.

Back pain is the leading cause of disability globally and results in a substantial medical and economic burden. Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) have been widely used as a treatment for back pain with radiculopathy of various etiologies. Ultrasound guidance (UG) for delivering ESIs can reduce costs and facilitate the procedure in resource-limited settings compared to the current standard technique of using fluoroscopic guidance (FG). This scoping review aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between UG and FG ESIs in the treatment of radicular pain. Systematic searches of Embase, Ovid Medline, Scopus, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), CDSR (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews), and ClinicalTrials.gov were conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews) guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative observational studies investigating the outcomes between UG and FG ESIs in the treatment of radicular pain were included. The risk of bias for included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool. From 1,659 potentially relevant publications, eight studies (five RCTs and three retrospective comparative studies) were included. Five of the studies were conducted in the Republic of Korea, one in China, one in India, and one in Egypt. All studies reported no significant difference between UG and FG ESIs in success rate, pain index, and postoperative disability (p > 0.05). One study reported increased intravascular injections in the FG group, but this did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). One study reported decreased needle-placement time in the UG group (p < 0.001). One study reported decreased total operation time in the UG group (p < 0.05). Overall, treatment outcomes and adverse events profile are comparable between UG and FG ESIs for radicular pain. UG ESIs reduce costs, minimize radiation exposure, facilitate vessel identification, prevent injury, and potentially save intraoperative time while offering the same benefits as FG injections. Future studies should focus on long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and the impact of UG ESIs on patient satisfaction and quality of life.

FACTFINDERS FOR PATIENT SAFETY: Minimizing risks with cervical epidural injections

This series of FactFinders presents a brief summary of the evidence and outlines recommendations to minimize risks associated with cervical epidural injections.Evidence in support of the following facts is presented.Minimizing Risks with Cervical Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injections – 1) CILESIs should be performed at C6-C7 or below, with C7-T1 as the preferred access point due to the more generous dorsal epidural space at this level compared to the more cephalad interlaminar segments. This reduces the risk of the minor complication of dural puncture and the major complication of spinal cord injury due to inadvertent needle placement. 2) LF gaps are most prevalent in the midline cervical spine. This can result in diminished tactile feedback with loss of resistance (LOR), increasing the risk for inadvertent dural puncture or spinal cord injury. Based on current evidence, needle placement in the paramedian portion of the interlaminar space is safest to avoid LF gaps. 3) An optimal AP trajectory view and the physician's ability to discern engagement in the LF and subsequent LOR are crucial. Confirmation of minimal needle insertion depth relative to the ventral margin of the lamina with either a lateral or contralateral oblique (CLO) safety view is critical to minimize the risk of inadvertently inserting the needle too ventral. 4) There have been closed claims and case reports of patients who have suffered catastrophic neurologic injuries while receiving CILESIs under deep sedation. If sedation is administered, the least amount necessary should be utilized to ensure the patient can provide verbal feedback during the procedure. 5) CILESIs are an elective procedure; therefore, necessity and likelihood of benefit must be foremost considerations. Current guidelines recommend holding ACAP therapy before CILESIs due to the potentially catastrophic complications associated with epidural hematoma (EH) formation. However, there is also a risk of severe systemic complications with ceasing ACAP in specific clinical scenarios. The treating physician is obligated to determine if the procedure is indicated and can ultimately decide to delay the intervention or not perform the procedure if the benefit does not outweigh the risks.Minimizing Risks with Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections – the Role of Preprocedural Review of Advanced Imaging -- Variations in vascular anatomy may warrant a modified approach to CTFESI. Preprocedural review of cross-sectional imaging can provide critical information for safe injection angle planning specific to individual patients and may help to decrease the risk of unintended vascular events with potentially catastrophic outcomes.Safety of Multi-level or Bilateral Fluoroscopically-Guided Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections -- Safe performance of a CTFESI procedure requires the ability to detect inadvertent arterial injection. Contrast medium placed into the epidural space and/or along the exiting spinal nerves during an initial CTFESI may obscure the detection of inadvertent cannulation of a radiculomedullary artery by a subsequent CTFESI. While no available literature directly addresses the potential risk that exists with a multi-level or bilateral CTFESI, caution is still warranted.

Epidural steroid injection technique

An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a minimally invasive, image guided procedure for the treatment of back pain. Pain originating in the lumbar spine is the most common referral for ESI but the entire spine may be targeted. ESI can provide temporary but meaningful relief for patients who may have failed conservative management with oral analgesics and physical therapy. ESI may provide analgesia and anti-inflammatory effects that allow more conservative measures like physical therapy to become more effective. ESI also serves as a bridge between conservative and surgical management, intervention for post-surgical pain, or an alternative for non-surgical candidates. This article reviews the technique for performing ESI in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral spine.

Prediction of transforaminal epidural injection success in sciatica (POTEISS): a protocol for the development of a multivariable prediction model for outcome after transforaminal epidural steroid injection in patients with lumbar radicular pain due to disc herniation or stenosis

BackgroundTransforaminal epidural injections (TEI) can alleviate symptoms and help to maintain physical functioning and quality of life in patients with lumbar radicular pain. We aim to develop a prediction model for patient outcome after TEI in patients suffering from unilateral lumbar radicular pain due to lumbar disc herniation (LDH) or single-level spinal stenosis (LSS). The secondary aim is to estimate short-term patient outcome differences between LDH and LSS patients, the association between psychological variables and patient outcome, the rate of additional injections, surgery and complications, and to explore the short-term cost-effectiveness of TEI.MethodsThis study is designed as a multi-centre, observational, prospective cohort study in two large regional hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients diagnosed with unilateral lumbar radicular pain secondary to LDH or LSS and congruent with MRI findings, who are referred for TEI along usual care pathways, are eligible for study participation. A total of 388 patients with LDH or LSS will be included. A pre-defined set of demographic, clinical and radiological variables will be used as the predictors in the model. The primary outcome measure is the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for leg pain. Secondary outcome measures include back pain, physical functioning, perceived recovery, pain coping strategies, anxiety and depression and use of analgesics and physical therapy. Patients will be evaluated at baseline, 2 weeks and 6 weeks after treatment. NRS leg pain and Likert perceived recovery data will be used as the dependent variables in a generalized linear mixed model for prediction of TEI outcome, with internal validation of performance (explained variation) by bootstrap resampling. Cost-effectiveness for a period of 6 weeks prior to and after treatment will be performed with decision-analytic modelling.DiscussionPatients with severe lumbar radicular pain often request additional treatment when conservative care is insufficient. TEI can offer relief of symptoms. Currently, it is not possible to predict responsiveness to this treatment for individual patients. This study is designed to explore predictors that can differentiate between patients that will and will not have a positive outcome after TEI. This information may support treatment strategies for this patient group.Trial registrationThis study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov database under registry number NCT04540068 on September 1, 2020.

The effect of human assumed central sensitization on transforaminal epidural steroid injection in chronic lumbar radiculopathy: An observational study.

Human assumed central sensitization (HACS) is a potential pathophysiological mechanism underlying a group of musculoskeletal disorders. HACS may negatively influence the outcomes of surgical or interventional procedures. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of HACS on treatment outcomes of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI). Patients who received fluoroscopy-guided single-level lumbosacral TFESI between January 2020 and January 2021 were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups with respect to the existence of HACS. Patients were assessed before the procedure, at the third week, and at the third month after the procedure. The presence of HACS was investigated by central sensitization inventory (CSI). The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used for patient assessment. A total of 65patients were included in the study. Thirty-one of the patients had HACS. There was no difference between the groups in terms of demographic data. Significant improvement in NRS was found at 3rd week and 3rd month compared to the baseline. BDI and ODI scores were also significantly reduced at the end of 3months (p< 0.001). NRS scores at all time points were significantly lower in patients without HACS (p< 0.05). The presence of HACS has a negative effect on pain scores, disability, and mental state in patients undergoing TFESI.

Effectiveness of epidural dexamethasone vs triamcinolone to relieve neuropathic pain of cervical disc herniation patients; 3-months follow-up

Background &amp; objective: Cervical disc herniation (CDH) is the most common cause of radicular pain; with one-third of the patients suffering for more than six months. Epidural steroid injections (ESI) are widely performed by the pain specialists and the neurosurgeons in this disorder, acute or chronic. We compared triamcinolone and dexamethasone regarding their efficacy to improve neuropathic pain at three months follow-up. Methodology: This randomized blinded control trial was conducted at Dr. Kariadi Hospital in Semarang, Indonesia, on 42 chronic CDH patients. Patients were divided into two equal groups of 21 each, to receive, interlaminar cervical epidural injections of triamcinolone or dexamethasone under fluoroscopic guidance. The study was conducted from January 2022 to July 2023. Follow-up on the PainDETECT score was carried out before and 3 months after the ESI. Data collected was analyzed by using the Mann-Whitney test (P &lt; 0.05). Results: Forty-two CDH subjects were involved in the study grouped as Dexamethasone group (21) and Triamcinolone group (21). Both groups observed significant pain improvement (P &lt; 0.001, and P = 0.020). In the Dexamethasone group 16 out of 21 (76.2%) subjects showed improvement at 3 months of follow-up in the neuropathic pain, while in Triamcinolone group 10 out of 21 (47.6%) showed improvement at 3 months of follow-up. The differences in the two groups were significant (P &lt; 0.001 vs P = 0.007). Conclusion: The results of this study prove that epidural injection of dexamethasone is more effective than triamcinolone for improving neuropathic pain syndrome associated with chronic cervical disc herniation. Keywords: Chronic CDH, Neck pain, Epidural steroid injection, Dexamethasone, Triamcinolone, Pain DETECT Citation: Budisulistyo T, Yudhasyah RA, Kustiowati E, Husni A, Muhartomo H, Suryadi. Effectiveness of epidural dexamethasone vs triamcinolone to relieve neuropathic pain of cervical disc herniation patients; 3-months follow-up. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(4):732−736; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i4.2515 Received: December 28, 2023; Reviewed: February 12, 2024; Accepted: February 17, 2024

CHARACTERISTICS OF SCIATICA PATIENTS LISTED FOR A SPINAL EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES: RESULTS FROM THE POISE COHORT STUDY

BackgroundClinical guidelines recommend epidural steroid injection (ESI) for severe sciatica but there is uncertainty of effectiveness. The POiSE study aims to identify factors, routinely collected in clinical practice that predict outcome in patients who have ESI. This presentation describes characteristics and early clinical outcomes of POiSE participants.MethodsProspective cohort study in 19 NHS spinal services in England, inviting patients with sciatica listed for an ESI. Participant baseline characteristics and 6-week follow-up outcomes are presented. Outcomes include pain intensity (0–10 NRS), disability (Oswestry Disability Index 0–100) and global change in symptoms.ResultsOver 24 months, 693 patients were invited to participate and 353 (51%) completed baseline questionnaires. Mean (SD) age 49.0 years (14.4), 60% female, and 46% (n=101) of those in work had certified time-off for sciatica. Mean pain intensity was 7.2 (2.0) and 6.2 (2.7) for leg and back pain respectively and mean disability (ODI) was 46.5 (18). 60% (n=210) had leg pain for &gt;6 months. Average confidence at baseline (0 to 10) that the ESI would help symptoms was 5.7 (2.4).Of 217 patients reaching 6-week follow-up, mean leg and back pain intensity is 5.0 (2.8) and 4.9 (2.9) respectively and ODI 36.6 (20.4), with 57% reporting improvement (completely recovered/much better/better). Follow-up data collection at 6, 12 and 24-weeks post-ESI is ongoing.ConclusionInterim analysis shows only just over half of patients are reporting improvement at 6 weeks post ESI. The POiSE cohort study will help better identify the patients with sciatica who are most likely to benefit from this treatment.Conflicts of interestNoneSources of fundingThis study is supported by Health Education England and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (HEE/ NIHR ICA Programme Clinical Lectureship, Dr Siobhan Stynes, NIHR300441). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the National Institute for Health Research or the Department of Health and Social Care

Comparative analysis of contrast distribution in cervical epidural steroid injections utilizing a modified paramedian interlaminar approach with varied needle tip positions: A randomized controlledtrial.

Recent advancements in cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injections have given rise to the modified paramedian interlaminar (mPIL) approach. The objective of this study was to perform an analysis of the contrast spread pattern within the cervical epidural space, taking into account different needle tip positions in the mPIL approach. A total of 48 patients were included in the study and randomly assigned to either the medial or lateral group based on the needle tip's position in the anterior-posterior view. The primary outcome measured was the contrast flow under fluoroscopic visualization. As a secondary outcome, we analyzed the location of the needle tip position in both lateral and contralateral oblique views. Clinical effectiveness was assessed by measuring pain intensity and functional disability post-procedure. Significant disparities were noted in the ventral distribution of contrast between the medial and lateral groups. In the lateral images, needle tips in the lateral group were positioned more ventrally compared to those in the medial group. Both groups exhibited statistically significant improvements in neck and radicular pain, as well as functional status, 4 weeks after treatment, with no significant differences between them. Our results suggest that the ventral dispersion of contrast material during cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injections using the mPIL approach may vary depending on the needle tip location.

Utilization of Reimbursed Acupuncture Therapy for Low Back Pain

Treating low back pain (LBP) often involves a combination of pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, and interventional treatments; one approach is acupuncture therapy, which is safe, effective, and cost-effective. How acupuncture is used within pain care regimens for LBP has not been widely studied. To document trends in reimbursed acupuncture between 2010 and 2019 among a large sample of patients with LBP, focusing on demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics associated with acupuncture use and the nonpharmacologic, pharmacologic, and interventional treatments used by patients who utilize acupuncture. This cross-sectional study included insurance claims of US adults in a deidentified database. The study sample included patients diagnosed with LBP between 2010 and 2019. Data were analyzed between September 2023 and June 2024. Changes in rates of reimbursed acupuncture utilization between 2010 and 2019, including electroacupuncture use, which involves the electrical stimulation of acupuncture needles. Covariates included age, sex, race and ethnicity, income, educational attainment, region, and a chronic LBP indicator. Secondary analyses tracked other nonpharmacologic treatments (eg, physical therapy, chiropractic care), pharmacologic treatments (eg, opioids, gabapentinoids), and interventional treatments (eg, epidural steroid injections). The total sample included 6 840 497 adults with LBP (mean [SD] age, 54.6 [17.8] years; 3 916 766 female [57.3%]; 802 579 Hispanic [11.7%], 258 087 non-Hispanic Asian [3.8%], 804 975 non-Hispanic Black [11.8%], 4 974 856 non-Hispanic White [72.7%]). Overall, 106 485 (1.6%) had 1 or more acupuncture claim, while 61 503 (0.9%) had 1 or more electroacupuncture claim. The rate of acupuncture utilization increased consistently, from 0.9% in 2010 to 1.6% in 2019; electroacupuncture rates were relatively stable. Patients who were female (male: odds ratio [OR], 0.68; 99% CI, 0.67-0.70), Asian (OR, 3.26; 99% CI, 3.18-3.35), residing in the Pacific region (New England: OR, 0.26; 99% CI, 0.25-0.28), earning incomes of over $100 000 (incomes less than $40 000: OR, 0.59; 99% CI, 0.57-0.61), college educated (high school or less: OR, 0.32; 99% CI, 0.27-0.35), and with chronic LBP (OR, 2.39; 99% CI, 2.35-2.43) were more likely to utilize acupuncture. Acupuncture users were more likely to engage in other nonpharmacologic pain care like physical therapy (39.2%; 99% CI, 38.9%-39.5% vs 29.3%; 99% CI, 29.3%-29.3%) and less likely to utilize prescription drugs, including opioids (41.4%; 99% CI, 41.1%-41.8% vs 52.5%; 99% CI, 52.4%-52.5%), compared with nonusers. In this cross-sectional study, we found that acupuncture utilization among patients with LBP was rare but increased over time. Demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics were associated with acupuncture utilization, and acupuncture users were more likely to utilize other nonpharmacologic treatments and less likely to utilize pharmacologic treatments.

Transforaminal Steroid Injection After Dorsal Root Ganglion Pulsed Radiofrequency (DRG-PRF): Impact on Pain Intensity and Disability.

Dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency (DRG-PRF) is frequently used for the treatment of chronic lumbar radicular pain with good outcomes in terms of pain management. Transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) is often administered immediately after DRG-PRF to increase the anti-inflammatory effects, but support for the synergic mechanism is lacking in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of TFESI immediately after DRG-PRF and its possible role on pain intensity and patient disability. A database of patients who underwent DRG-PRF with or without TFESI immediately after DRG-PRF was retrospectively analysed; propensity score matching was applied to the analysis to reduce possible bias. Pain intensity (numerical rating scale [NRS]) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were recorded pre-operatively and at the 1- and 3-month follow-up in the two groups of patients. A total of 252 patients were included in this retrospective analysis, 126 patients in the DRG-PRF + TFESI group and 126 patients in the DRG-PRF group after propensity score matching. Both groups displayed a significant reduction in pain intensity (NRS score reduction; p < 0.0001) and improvement in the ODI (p < 0.0001) from baseline at the 3-month follow-up. Interestingly, the use of TFESI after DRG-PRF was not associated with any clinical benefit as no difference in NRS and ODI was found between the two groups at the 1- and 3-month follow-ups. Our study revealed a significant pain reduction and disability improvement after DRG-PRF in patients with lumbar radicular pain. Interestingly, no positive role of TFESI immediately after DRG-PRF was observed. These findings suggest that DRG-PRF provides substantial pain relief, and no added benefit is obtained with subsequent steroid injection. Future prospective studies with expanded follow-up periods are needed to confirm these findings.

Nonsurgical therapy for lumbar spinal stenosis caused by ligamentum flavum hypertrophy: A review.

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) can cause a range of cauda equina symptoms, including lower back and leg pain, numbness, and intermittent claudication. This disease affects approximately 103 million people worldwide, particularly the elderly, and can seriously compromise their health and well-being. Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy (LFH) is one of the main contributing factors to this disease. Surgical treatment is currently recommended for LSS caused by LFH. For patients who do not meet the criteria for surgery, symptom relief can be achieved by using oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and epidural steroid injections. Exercise therapy and needle knife can also help to reduce the effects of mechanical stress. However, the effectiveness of these methods varies, and targeting the delay in LF hypertrophy is challenging. Therefore, further research and development of new drugs is necessary to address this issue. Several new drugs, including cyclopamine and N-acetyl-l-cysteine, are currently undergoing testing and may serve as new treatments for LSS caused by LFH.

Ultrasound-Guided Cervical Selective Nerve Root Block versus Fluoroscopy-Guided Interlaminar Epidural Injection for Cervical Radicular Pain: A Randomized, Prospective, Controlled Study.

Ultrasound (US)-guided cervical selective nerve root block (CSNRB) procedures are increasingly being performed as an alternative to conventional fluoroscopy (FL)-guided epidural injections for the treatment of cervical radicular pain. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of US-guided CSNRB versus FL-guided interlaminar cervical epidural steroid injection (IL-CESI) for cervical radicular pain. A total of 60 patients with cervical radicular pain due to a single-level disc herniation were randomized into either the FL or US group. The numeric rating scale, Short Form-36, and neck disability index were evaluated before treatment at months 1, 3, and 6 after treatment. Procedure time, complications, pain medication consumption, and patient satisfaction were also recorded. Patients experienced significant improvement in pain, disability, and quality of life scores up to 6 months after the procedure (p < 0.001). Treatment success rate was achieved in 56.6% of the IL-CESI group and 50% of the CSNRB group without any significant difference between the study arms (p = 0.617). US-guided CSNRB was shown to be as effective as the FL-guided IL-CESI in the treatment of cervical radicular pain, in addition to the absence of radiation exposure and requiring less procedure time.

Enhancing contrast distribution with the far lateral approach in lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections: A retrospective analysis.

Herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD) with radiculopathy is a common degenerative spine disorder. Transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) is one of the pain relief treatments for lumbar radiculopathy recommended by evidence-based guidelines. Adequate contrast distribution is correlated with better pain control, but the best approach has not been confirmed yet. To confirm the distribution of contrast medium injected with a new approach of TFESI, that is, far lateral lateral recess approach (FLLR-TFESI). Patients receiving TFESI due to HIVD with radiculopathy between 2010 January and 2020 August were retrospectively enrolled. While the FLLR-TFESI was taken as the experimental group, the conventional approach was viewed as the control group. The baseline characteristics, the pattern of contrast enhancement under fluoroscopic guidance, and the complications of these patients were collected and analyzed. A total of 380 patients were analyzed (143 in control group and 237 in experimental group). The two groups were balanced in most baseline characteristics, except disc extrusion (p = 0.01) and scoliosis (p = 0.04). The FLLR-TFESI have a better contrast distribution (p < 0.01), even after adjustment (p < 0.001). No intrathecal injection was noted, but higher rate of intra-disc injection was noted in FLLR-TFESI group (10% vs. 3%, p = 0.008). The FLLR-TFESI has a superior contrast enhancement and distribution in comparison to conventional approach. Prospective study to confirm the study result as well as the clinical benefits is suggested in the future.