Transforaminal Injections Research Articles

The role of spinal injections towards optimizing patient selection for spinal surgery: A proof-of-concept study in 176 lower back pain patients

BackgroundManaging degenerative lumbar diseases is challenging due to the complexity of identifying symptom causes, especially when multiple pathologies coexist. This study evaluated the impact of patient-specific lumbar spine infiltrations on therapeutic strategies in patients with multiple spinal pathologies (MSP) or specific spinal pathologies (SSP).MethodsA retrospective cohort of 176 patients treated for subacute or chronic lumbar pain with targeted spinal infiltrations was analyzed. Patients were categorized based on the presence of MSP or SSP. The primary endpoint was the relief of lumbar spine-specific symptoms following each infiltration. Secondary endpoints included epidemiological factors and comorbidities, while tertiary endpoints focused on post-treatment recommendations and performed treatments.ResultsHigh rates of spinal pain (97.1% in both groups) and radiating symptoms (88.2% in SSP and 92.3% in MSP) were reported. Psychological conditions were significantly more prevalent in female patients (19.4% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.0307), whereas hip osteoarthritis was more common in male patients (20.5% vs. 9.2%, p = 0.0490). Among all infiltration types, lumbar transforaminal injections were the most effective, leading to pain reduction in 80.1% of SSP patients and 72.2% of MSP patients. Facet joint and sacroiliac joint infiltrations also frequently resulted in pain reduction in both groups. Overall, conservative treatment was recommended for most patients (73.3%), while only 22.7% of all evaluated patients were recommended for surgical intervention. Additionally, seven patients received a hip prosthesis.ConclusionsPatient-specific lumbar spine infiltrations effectively relieve pain, support therapeutic decision-making, and tend to favor conservative treatment approaches. These findings highlight the role of infiltration therapies in managing both mixed and specific lumbar spine pathologies, suggesting their potential to reduce the need for surgical interventions.

Comparable Overall Risk of Neurologic Adverse Events Following Cervicothoracic Interlaminar and Transforaminal Epidural Injections: An Analysis of 1.29 Million Patients.

Retrospective cohort study. To characterize the incidence and odds of neurologic adverse events following interlaminar (IL) and transforaminal (TF) cervicothoracic epidural spinal injections (CESI). CESI may be considered in the management of various cervical pathology. Adverse events, although rare, can be devastating and have been reported following both IL and TF injections. The literature is mixed with regard to the risk-profile of these two types of CESI, but is largely limited to case reports, single centered studies, and literature reviews, which may incompletely characterize the relative risk of these injections at a national level. All adult patients undergoing IL and TF-CESI were identified from a large, national, multi-insurance database. The incidence of any post-injection neurologic complication was reported per 1,000 patients. The odds of specific neurologic adverse events occurring within 48-hours following TF-CESI, relative to IL-CESI, were compared by multivariable logistic regression controlling for age, sex, and Elixhauser comorbidity index (ECI). A total of 1,073,215 IL-CESI patients and 220,597 TF-CESI patients were identified. The overall incidence of any neurologic complication following IL and TF-CESI occurred at a rate of 4.15 and 4.56 per 1,000 patients, respectively (P=0.889). TF-CESI was associated with higher odds ratio (OR) of nerve root injury (OR 1.69, P<0.001), but lower odds of epidural hematoma (OR 0.60, P=0.040), relative to IL-CESI. Conversely, no other neurologic adverse events were statistically different between approaches (P>0.05 for all). Following IL and TF-CESI, adverse events are relatively rare but not absent. Although the odds of the majority of individual neurologic adverse events were found to be similar, both approaches were independently associated with specific complications. Providers should therefore recognize that, at the national level, one CESI approach may not be universally associated with a lower risk of complications.

Correlation of perfusion index change and analgesic efficacy in transforaminal steroid injection for lumbosacral pain, a prospective observational study

Background and Aims: Low back pain is a common problem and a major burden to society. Transforaminal epidural steroid injection is one of the most effective treatment modalities for back pain. We aim to objectively quantify pain relief of lumbosacral radicular pain post transforaminal steroid injection by correlating perfusion index (PI), reflecting real-time peripheral blood flow change at the site of monitoring, controlled by sympathetic system with Numerical rate score (NRS) and SLRT improvement. Material and Methods: A prospective observational study, conducted at K.S Hegde Medical Academy, Mangaluru, from June 2021 to June 2022 as a time-bound study. After IEC clearance (IEC certificate number) for the procedure and study, patients undergoing transforaminal epidural steroid injection for lumbosacral radicular pain were enrolled, excluding those meeting the exclusion criteria. PI change and NRS score improvement were noted at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes along with pre and post-procedure SLRT. Results were analyzed. Results: A total of 40 patients were analyzed. PI change at 30 minutes was 2.113 from a baseline of 0.217. Median NRS of 5, improved to 0 and the mean SLRT of 45.17 to 61.45 at the end of 30 minutes. All changes are statistically significant with P (&lt;0.01). correlation between the PI change with NRS is mild (-0.312). Conclusion: PI change ratio shows an overall improvement in pain levels objectively, in a non-invasive, easy, and reliable way. Simultaneous improvement in both NRS and SLRT is clinically significant but cannot predict a correlated quantitative measure of pain relief.

Comparison of Clinical Effects and Physical Examination of Transforaminal and Caudal Steroid Injection With Targeted Catheter in Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Transforaminal and caudal epidural injections are two methods of steroid injection in lumbar radiculopathy. Using a targeted catheter with the possibility of accessing the involved spinal roots and steroid administration selectively next to them during the caudal procedure may achieve the benefits of both transforaminal and caudal procedures. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effects and physical examinations of transforaminal steroid injection compared to caudal through a targeted catheter in lumbar radiculopathy. Fifty patients with lumbar radiculopathy candidates for epidural steroid injection were divided into transforaminal (T) and caudal (C) groups. Steroid injection under fluoroscopic guidance was performed in group T with the transforaminal method and in group C with the caudal method using a targeted catheter for each involved spinal nerve root. Pain intensity visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), daily analgesic consumption, and physical examinations on four follow-ups (before injection, second week, first and third month) were evaluated. Pain score (VAS) and functional disability index (ODI) were similar in both groups, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). The positive Lasègue test was significantly higher in the caudal group than in the transforaminal group only in the third month (p<0.05). Other physical examinations in both groups did not have significant differences in all the follow-ups. Moreover, there was no difference in the amount of analgesic consumption in the two groups. No complications were observed in both groups. This study showed that transforaminal and caudal steroid injection (with a targeted catheter) in patients with lumbar radiculopathy had similar effects in controlling pain and improving functional disability of patients in the short term. Cases of recurrence of positive Lasègue test in physical examinations in the long term (third month) in the caudal group may indicate the preference of the transforaminal approach. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) number: IRCT20111102007984N31.

Conservative management of spinal pathology with autologous conditioned serum: A systematic review of the literature.

Chronic inflammatory pain is associated with increased expression of interleukin (IL)-1, an inflammatory cytokine, and activity on its receptor (IL-1R). In response, the body produces IL-1R antagonist (IL-1Ra) to reduce this signaling. Autologous conditioned serum (ACS) is the only biologic therapy for spinal pathologies that enhances the action of endogenous IL-1Ra reserves to improve symptoms. This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of ACS in treating pain and disability caused by spinal pathologies. To evaluate the use of ACS as a conservative management option for spinal pathology. A systematic review of PubMed/Medline was performed to identify studies investigating administration of ACS for treatment of any spinal pathology. Six articles were included, comprising 684 patients treated with epidural (n = 133) or transforaminal (n = 551) ACS injections. Patients had an average age of 54.0 years with slight female predominance (53.2%). The lumbar spine was most commonly treated, with 567 patients (82.9%) receiving injections for lumbar radiculopathy (n = 67), degenerative disc disease (DDD) (n = 372), or spinal stenosis (n = 128); cervical injections were performed in 109 patients (15.9%). Mean (SD) follow-up was 21.7 (4.8) weeks from first ACS injection. All studies investigating mechanical lumbar and lumbar or cervical radicular pain reported significant pain reduction at final follow-up compared to baseline. ACS achieved comparable or superior results to lumbar epidural steroid injections. Adverse events were reported in 21 patients (3.1%), with no serious adverse events. ACS injection is a safe and effective intervention for pain reduction in many spinal pathologies, including cervical and lumbar radiculopathies.

Comparison of Transforaminal Magnesium Sulfate with Steroid Injection in the Management of ‎Radicular Back Pain: A Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial Study

Background: This study compares the effects of transforaminal magnesium sulfate injection versus other methods for managing radicular back pain, highlighting its potential for improved pain relief and functional outcomes. Methods: This randomized, double-blind clinical trial involved 30 patients with radicular back pain who were randomly assigned to receive either transforaminal magnesium sulfate or triamcinolone injection. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and functional disability, assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), respectively. These were evaluated at five time points: Before the injection, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after the injection. Secondary outcomes included drug-related adverse events within the six-month follow-up period. Results: Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the two study groups. Compared to pre-injection measures, post-injection pain intensity and functional disability were significantly reduced in both groups at all time points (P &lt; 0.001). At all postoperative evaluations, pain intensity and functional disability were lower in the magnesium sulfate group compared to the steroid group (P &lt; 0.001). No drug-related side effects were recorded in either group. Conclusions: For patients with radicular back pain, transforaminal magnesium sulfate injection appears to be an effective and safe alternative to transforaminal steroid injection.

Association Between Spinopelvic Parameters and Clinical Outcomes of Patients Treated With Transforaminal Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Lumbar Disc Prolapse.

Introduction Lumbar disc prolapse mainly occurs in the regions involving the L4-L5 and L5-S1 vertebrae. In this context, the significance of spinopelvic parameters becomes notably prominent. Non-invasive management of lumbar disc prolapse encompasses medicinal therapy, physical therapy, exercise, and epidural injections. Because of its autologous blood origin, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has minimal risks associated with immunogenic reactions and side consequences. We evaluated the extent of pain reduction and improvement of functional outcomes in patients having discogenic low back pain with modified spinopelvic parameters before and after undergoing transforaminal autologous PRP injection interventions. Methodology An observational study was conducted between September 2022 and August 2023 on 100 patients with low back pain for six months.The study populationcomprised patients whodid not respond to conservative treatment; they were recruited from the orthopaedicward of the emergency medicine department and outpatient department at the RLJalappa Hospital and Research Centre affiliated with Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College in Kolar, India. Every patient received a thorough evaluation that comprised an extensive medical history, a clinical examination, and imaging of the lumbosacral spine from both the front and side views. After obtaining the patient's consent and confirming their readiness for surgery, a PRPinjection was administered. The injection technique followed the standardized protocol and was performed by an experienced spine surgeon in collaboration with orthopaedic residents. Pain evaluations utilizing the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and assessment of functional outcomes using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scale were conducted before and after PRPinjections at the one- and six-month follow-ups. Results The average age of the study participants was 41.82 ± 5.0 years, with 55% of them being male. A total of 39% of study samples exhibited an increased angle in spinopelvic parameters. The independent t-test revealed a statistically significant difference in the mean score of back pain, limb pain, and ODI score between patients with increased and decreased angles of spinopelvic parameters before and after injection (p=0.0001). The severity of back pain, leg pain, and functional disability was significantly reduced in patients with increased angles of spinopelvic parameters following PRP injections at the one-month follow-up (p=0.0001). However, at the six-month follow-up, patients encountered recurring symptoms and worsening back pain, leg pain, and functional disability compared to the one-month follow-up. Conversely, the severity of back pain, leg pain, and functional disability has been markedly reduced in the patients with lower spinopelvic parameter angles following PRP injections at one month (p=0.0001) and six months (p=0.0001) compared to pre-injections. Conclusion During the long-term follow-up, subjects with elevated spinopelvic parameter angles reported a lower level of improvement in functional outcome, leg pain, and back pain. The impact of spinopelvic parameterson back pain severity and functional disability is substantial, significantly affecting the functional outcome of patients with lumbar disc prolapse.

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.

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of long-acting dexamethasone viscous gel delivered by transforaminal injection for lumbosacral radicular pain.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03372161.

Efficacity of CT-guided intra-articular cervical facet steroid injection for cervical radiculopathy

BackgroundTraditionally, transforaminal steroid injection is performed in the management of cervical radiculopathy in medical failure treatment but carried a true risk of catastrophic complication. Another approach currently used is to perform intra-articular facet steroid injection to reach the epidural space. PurposeThe aim of this study was to describe the evolution of symptoms following intra-articular facet steroid injection in cervical radiculopathy. Material and methodsWe conducted a retrospective study. We assessed all patients who had a CT-guided intra-articular facet steroid injection in our center (xx, xx, xx) from December 2015 to February 2021. Cervical MR pretherapeutic images were analyzed and classified according to cervical pain etiology: uncodiscarthrosis, disk herniation or congestive cervical posterior osteo-arthritis. All patients had clinical initial evaluation and then follow-up at 1 and 6 months. Pain severity was rated on a visual analog scale and expressed as a percentage of improvement. ResultsNinety-three patients were included. There were 56 patients with uncodiscarthrosis, 29 with a disk herniation and 8 with a cervical posterior congestive osteoarthritis. A significant improvement of the visual analog scale percentage was found for all patient at 1 and 6 months (p < 0.01). Visual analog scale percentage improvement was about 50 % for all etiologies. For all patients, no severe complications were reported. ConclusionIntra-articular facet steroid injection may be considered for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy when other medical treatments have failed.

Response to the Letter to the Editor: Lumbar transforaminal injection of steroids versus platelet-rich plasma for prolapse lumbar intervertebral disc with radiculopathy: a randomized double-blind controlled pilot study.

Response to the Letter to the Editor: Lumbar transforaminal injection of steroids versus platelet-rich plasma for prolapse lumbar intervertebral disc with radiculopathy: a randomized double-blind controlled pilot study.

Letter to the Editor: Lumbar transforaminal injection of steroids versus platelet-rich plasma for prolapse lumbar intervertebral disc with radiculopathy: a randomized double-blind controlled pilot study.

Letter to the Editor: Lumbar transforaminal injection of steroids versus platelet-rich plasma for prolapse lumbar intervertebral disc with radiculopathy: a randomized double-blind controlled pilot study.

The Results of Lomber Disc Hernia Patients Treated with Disc Restoration Hydrogel Implant (Gelstixtm): A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the results of disc restoration hydrogel implanted (GelstixTM) lumber disc hernia patients. Materials and Method: Patients suffering from chronic back pain diagnosed with lumber disc hernia who were admitted to Firat University Algology Clinic and treated with disc restoration hydrogel between January 2013 and January 2014 were evaluated. Cases were evaluated for demographic characteristics, magnetic resistance imaging findings, preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores, complications, side effects, and patient satisfaction after the procedure. Results: Of the operated 62 patients were 25 male (40.3%) and 37 female (59.7%). The mean age of all patients was 49.18±14.18 years, the mean age of female patients was 50.81±13.37 years and the mean age of male patients was 46.76±15.27 years. The mean duration of pain in female and male patients was 37.81±37.92 months and 25.36±33.58 months, respectively. Preoperative and postoperative VAS scores of female patients were 8.24±1.09 and 3.56±2.11; male patients were 7.88±1.01 and 3.76±2.17, respectively. Of the 62 patients suffered from 16 right leg pain (25.8%), 20 left leg pain (32. 3%), and 26 bilateral lower limb pain (41.9%). Of 62 patients 31 had no additional disorders (50%), 12 had cardiac disorders (19.4%), 3 had (4.8%) respiratory disorders, 7 had endocrine disorders (11.3%), 4 had both endocrine and cardiac disorders (6.5%), 2 had both cardiac and respiratory disorders (3.2%), 1 had both endocrine and respiratory disorders (1.6%), and 2 had both endocrine, cardiac and respiratory disorders (3.2%). Of the 62 patients 25 had bulging (40.3%), 5 had protrusion (8.1%), 4 had narrowed neural foramen (6.5%), 18 had bulging+narrowed neural foramen (29%), 3 had narrowed neural foramen + protrusion (4.8%) and 7 had bulging + protrusion (11.3%). Thirteen patients hadn’t had previous therapy (20.97%), transforaminal steroid injection was applied to 29 patients (46.77%), and medical therapy (such as NSAID, miyorelactants) was applied to 20 (32.26%). Levels of complaints were 2 at L2-L3 (3. 2%), 17 at L3-L4 (27.4%), 28 at L4-L5 (45.2%), and 15 at L5-S1 (24.2%). Without L2-L3 level other operated levels had significant differences between preoperative VAS scores and postoperative VAS scores. The number of unsatisfied patients was 9 (14.5%), moderated satisfied patients number 16(25.8%), good satisfied patients number was 16 (25. 8%), and perfectly satisfied patients number was 21 (33.9%). Conclusion: Disc restoration hydrogel is a safe minimal invasive technique with satisfactory results, low complication rates, and low side effect risk especially in young and middle-aged patients.

Evaluation of Fluoroscopically Guided Transforaminal Selective Nerve Root Sleeve Injections for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis With Radiculopathy Utilizing Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System as an Outcome Measure

ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effect of transforaminal selective nerve root sleeve injections (TFSNRIs) in a specific subset of patients with clinical symptoms and presentation consistent with spinal stenosis. DesignRetrospective review. SettingTertiary academic spine center. ParticipantsA total of 176 patients with radicular leg pain with or without low back pain as well as ≥3 clinical features of spinal stenosis and corroborative radiographic features of spinal stenosis on lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging without confounding spinal pathology (N=176). InterventionsFluoroscopically guided transforaminal selective nerve root sleeve injections. Main Outcome MeasuresPatient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF) v1.2/v2.0, Pain Interference (PI) v1.1, and PROMIS (D) v1.0 were collected at baseline and post-procedure short term (<3-months) and long-term (6-12 month) follow-up. Statistical analysis comparing baseline and postprocedural PROMIS scores was performed. Differences were compared with previously established minimal clinically important differences in the spine population. ResultsFor patients with spinal stenosis treated with TFSNRI, no statistically significant improvement was observed short- and long-term follow-up in PROMIS PF (P=.97, .77) and PROMIS Depression (P=.86, .85) scores. At short-term follow-up, PROMIS PI scores did significantly improve (P=.01) but the average difference of pre- and post-procedure scores did not reach clinical significance. No significant difference in PROMIS PI was noted at long-term follow-up (.75). ConclusionsAlthough a statistically significant difference was observed for improvement in pain, in this retrospective study, TFSNRI did not provide clinically significant improvement in patients’ function, pain, or depression for lumbar spinal stenosis at short- and long-term follow-up.

Lumbar Transforaminal Injection of Steroids versus Platelet-Rich Plasma for Prolapse Lumbar Intervertebral Disc with Radiculopathy: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Pilot Study.

Double-blind randomized controlled pilot study. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of steroids with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) administered by lumbar transforaminal injection (LTI) in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is one of the most common conditions managed by spine surgeons in routine practice. Once conservative management fails, LTI is diagnostic and often therapeutic. Steroids are the gold standard drug used for LTI but have limitations and side effects. In this single-center double-blind randomized controlled pilot study, 46 patients were recruited and randomized by the lottery method. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for leg pain, modified Oswestry Disability Index (mODI), and Short-Form 12 (SF-12) were assessed at 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Both groups were comparable in terms of demographics, preprocedure VAS scores, mODI, and SF-12 scores (p=0.52). At the 1-week follow-up, the steroid group had significantly better improvement than the PRP group (p=0.0001). At the 3-week follow-up, both groups showed comparable outcomes; however, the PRP group had better symptom improvement. At 6 weeks and 6 months, the PRP group had better outcomes (VAS, p<0.0001; ODI, p=0.02; SF-12, p=0.002). Moreover, 17 and 16 patients in the steroid and PRP groups underwent repeat LTI with steroids or surgery because of pain recurrence during follow-up. At 1 year, no difference in outcomes was observed. PRP may be a useful alternative to steroids for LTI in lumbar radiculopathy. Although improvement was delayed and 1-year outcomes were comparable, the 6-week and 6-month outcomes were better with PRP than with LTI. Multiple PRP injections may be beneficial because of its autologous nature. However, further studies with a larger number of participants, longer follow-up, and repeat LTIs are warranted to draw definite conclusions.

Transforaminal Contrast Injection Before Computed Tomography-Guided Lateral Endoscopic Lumbar Diskectomy Improves Visualization of Exiting Nerve Root.

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar diskectomy (PELD) is an effective, minimally invasive method for removal of lateral lumbar disk herniations. This minimally invasive technique can be applied with high success and lead to faster recovery than traditional methods. Unfortunately, adoption of these techniques in the United States has been slow. A significant barrier to using this technique is often an inability to completely visualize relevant anatomy and increased operative times. In this article, we describe a technique using computed tomography (CT) guidance in conjunction with a neurogram to perform a PELD. We detail the steps in the technique and its advantages to the surgeon performing it. After a patient is placed supine on a table, a transforaminal injection of contrast is performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Then, after sterilizing and draping in a normal fashion, an intraoperative CT scan is taken with a reference frame in place. During the procedure, this allows for the CT guidance to have the exiting nerve root clearly outlined. This procedure was successfully performed in a single patient, allowing greater visualization of the exiting nerve root during a difficult revision PELD case. No complications were experienced. A novel technique using a neurogram with CT guidance during a PELD was used to assist with identification of anatomy and decompression of the exiting nerve root. This technique was used without complications.

Comparing the Efficacy of Transforaminal and Caudal Epidural Injections of Calcitonin in Treating Degenerative Spinal Canal Stenosis: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is the most common indication for lumbar surgery in elderly patients. Epidural injections of calcitonin are effective in managing LSS. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of transforaminal and caudal injections of calcitonin in patients with LSS. In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, LSS patients were divided into two equal groups (N = 20). The first group received 50 IU (international units) of calcitonin via caudal epidural injection (CEI), and the second group received 50 IU of calcitonin via transforaminal epidural injection (TEI). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ODI) were used to assess the patient's pain and ability to stand, respectively. Visual Analogue Scale and ODI scores were recorded and analyzed. The results showed that caudal and TEIs of calcitonin significantly improved pain and ability to stand during follow-up compared to before intervention (P < 0.05). Additionally, CEI of calcitonin after 6 months significantly reduced pain in LSS patients compared to TEI of calcitonin (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the two epidural injection techniques in improving the patient's ability to stand (P > 0.05). The results of the study indicate that epidural injection of calcitonin in long-term follow-up (6 months) had a significant effect on improving pain intensity and mobility in patients with LSS, and its effect on pain in the TEI method was significantly greater than that in the CEI method.

Functional outcome of transforaminal steroid injection in patients suffering from prolapsed intervertebral disc

Functional outcome of transforaminal steroid injection in patients suffering from prolapsed intervertebral disc

Efficacy of Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections for Lumbosacral Radiculopathy in Individuals with Spine Surgery: A Retrospective Comparative Study

Introduction: Transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) have demonstrated their efficacy in both short-term and long-term treatment of radicular pain with their targets being the anterolateral epidural space and dorsal root ganglion. Although the evidence for transforaminal injections in treating radiculitis secondary to discherniation and lumbar stenosis is strong, evidence is limited regarding its effect on axial pain and in patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Methodology: 61 patients were registered in this retrospective comparative study who underwent lumbar TFESI for lumbosacral radiculopathy from March 2021 to March 2022. All patients were assessed for difference in pain relief, disability and functional outcome at baseline and at the time of follow up using NRS, ODI &amp; PROMIS. As a secondary objective the patients were divided into two groups those with previous history of spine surgery (Group A) and non-operated patients (Group B) to Compare the mean levels of pain relief, functional outcome and disability in spine surgery patients compared to non-operated patients. After Ethical committee approval and informed consent from patient baseline scores (NRS, ODI &amp; PROMIS) were accessed from the MRD and follow up scores were obtained by sending a questionnaire across to the patient by email. The average follow up time was 1 year and 4 months (Mean). Results and Observations: A minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of &gt;2.0 was selected for the change in NRS to further determine the proportion of responders who experienced a clinically significant reduction of pain. Success in achieving MCID is defined by ≥3 t score change for all PROMIS instruments. Success in achieving MCID for ODI is defined as at least 30% score change at follow up from baseline score. There is no significant difference in pain relief, disability improvement, functional outcome as assessed by NRS, ODI &amp; PROMIS between the two groups. In this study the success in achieving MCID for NRS was 70% in Group A and 63% in group B and overall 67% indicating that total 41 patients (67%) had significant reduction in NRS after TFESI. In this study success of achieving MCID for ODI was 38.7% among Group A which was comparable to 23.3% among Group B and the difference was not statistically significant. The overall success of achieving MCID for ODI was total 19 patients (31.1%) indicating only 31% patients had significant improvement in disability post TFESI. There is no significant difference in functional outcome as assessed by PROMIS instruments between the two groups. For PROMIS PF, PI, SD the success of achieving MCID was greater than 70% overall and for both the groups. Conclusion: There is no doubt regarding the efficacy and therapeutic effect of TFESI in axial lumbosacral pain/radicular pain in non-operated patients. This study demonstrates the success rate of TFESI in spine surgery patients (FBSS) as well by utilizing PROMIS as an outcome measure and by use of a control group demonstrating improved Physical Function, less pain interference &amp; improved sleep.

Changes in the Utilization of Cervicothoracic Injections Between 2010 and 2020.

Descriptive epidemiologic study. To analyze trends and patient characteristics of those undergoing cervicothoracic transforaminal, interlaminar, and facet injections over time. Cervicothoracic transforaminal, interlaminar, and facet injections are considered for varied spinal pathologies. Evolving literature, changing physician preferences, insurance reimbursement policies, and patient factors may influence the utilization of such injections over time. Patients undergoing cervicothoracic transforaminal, interlaminar, and facet injections 2010-2020 were identified in the M151Ortho PearlDiver database using Current Procedural Terminology coding. Patient age, sex, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, insurance plan (commercial, Medicaid, Medicare), and region of the country where the procedure was performed (Midwest, Northeast, South, and West) were extracted and assessed over study intervals based on prevalence per 100,000 covered lives. Cervicothoracic transforaminal, interlaminar, and facet injections were identified for 195,221 (11.3%), 951,191 (55.2%), and 575,228 (33.4%) patients, respectively. Patient characteristics for each injection type were defined. The annual number of injections performed per 100,000 covered lives decreased during the study period for transforaminal (17.1% decrease) and interlaminar (9.3% decrease) but increased for facet (3.7% increase) injections ( P <0.0001 for each). Stratifying by patient insurance type, administration of transforaminal, interlaminar, and facet injections per 100,000 covered lives was proportionally greatest for commercially insured patients (55%, 50%, and 45%, respectively), and proportionally smallest for Medicaid patients (10%, 13%, and 13%, respectively). Anesthesiology physicians performed the most injections, followed by physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, with both provider types most frequently performing interlaminar injections, followed by facet and transforaminal injections. Annual cervicothoracic transforaminal and interlaminar injection utilization declined by 17.1% and 9.3% from 2010 to 2020, whereas facet injection administration increased by 3.7% over the same interval. Evolving practice patterns are important to consider in characterizing the overall landscape of spine care.