Transforaminal Steroid Injections Research Articles

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 (<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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Effectiveness of transforaminal steroid injections in spinal canal stenosis grade 1 to 3

IntroductionTransforaminal injections have been associated with rare but major complications. Despite several studies on epidural steroid injection as a minimally invasive non-surgical method to relieve the pain of spinal canal stenosis, there is no consensus about some details. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of transforaminal steroid injection on patients with grade 1 to 3 spinal canal stenosis. MethodThe present randomized controlled trial study examined 110 patients with spinal canal stenosis. The case group (A) included 55 patients injected with bupivacaine solution and dexamethasone. The control group (B) consisted of 55 patients without intervention. The patients were examined before injection, two weeks, three and six months, and one year after the treatment using the disability index (ODI), functional status (FRI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Numeric Rate Scale (NRS). ResultsAccording to the results, transforaminal steroid injection for patients with grades 1 and 2 spinal canal stenosis had a suitable effect on reducing the severity of disability and improving functional status; however, the pain relief process was achieved gradually in them. In patients with grade 3 canal stenosis, pain relief was observed after 6 months of injection; however, improvement of functional status and reduction of disability did not follow proper trends. ConclusionTransforaminal steroid injection has a better effect on improving the performance and ability of the patient, but its effect on reducing pain requires more time.

Effectiveness of combined pulsed radiofrequency and steroid injection to the dorsal root ganglion in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia: a prospective randomized clinical trial

Purpose The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of pulsed radiofrequency and transforaminal steroid injection to the dorsal root ganglion for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Patients and methods Forty-six patients suffering from thoracic PHN with a duration of between 1 and 3 months were enrolled and were randomly assigned to either steroid group (n=23) or combination group (n=23). The efficacy was assessed by visual analog scale and by recording the dose of anticonvulsant before and after the procedure. Results Visual analog scores decreased in both groups in the postintervention period (2 h, 1 week, and 1 month) with no significant difference found between them. Throughout assessments, visual analog scale in the combination group was significantly lower than in the steroid group in third and sixth months. Regarding the dosage of anticonvulsant, in the first follow-up visit 1 week from intervention, the same preintervention dose of pregabalin was prescribed and then the dose was gradually decreased until the first month in both groups. In the steroid group, the dose was increased again after the first month, while in the combination group there was a gradual decease in the dose. The dose was significantly lower in the combination group compared with the steroid group in third and sixth months. Conclusion Pulsed radiofrequency in combination with steroid injection is more effective and lasting for a longer duration than the transforaminal steroid injection alone when used for controlling of pain in patients with thoracic PHN.

ID: 206837 Novel "Reverse-C" Positioning for Transforaminal Epidural Injections in Scoliosis

A 65-year-old female with a history of levoscoliosis presented to the clinic with right sided low back pain (LBP) radiating to her right lower extremity. Pt reported a history of multiple epidural steroid injections (ESI) which resulted in minimal relief. Imaging revealed severe neuro-foraminal stenosis (right worse than left) mainly due to degenerative disc disease and scoliosis. Novel “reverse-C” positioning during transforaminal steroid injections was shown to open the right-sided neuro-foramen, especially with fluoroscopy before and after, increasing chances for a successful injection.

Transforaminal Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma Compared with Steroid in Lumbar radiculopathy: A Prospective, Double-Blind Randomized Study.

To evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of transforaminal steroid and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in patients with discogenic lumbar radiculopathy. 60 patients were randomized to be treated with single transforaminal injection of PRP (n = 29) or steroid (methylprednisolone acetate [n = 31]). Clinical assessment was done with Visual analogue scale (VAS), modified Oswestry low back pain disability index (MODI), and straight leg raise test (SLRT). Baseline assessment of outcomes was done followed by post-intervention evaluation at 1, 3, and 6months. Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. There was a significant statistical improvement of VAS and MODI in both groups at follow-up (P < 0.05). In PRP group, minimal clinically important change (> 2cm difference of mean for VAS and > 10-point change in MODI) for both outcome scores was achieved at all follow-up intervals (1, 3, 6months), while as in steroid group, it was seen only at 1 and 3months for both VAS and MODI. On intergroup comparison, better results were seen in steroid group at 1month (P < 0.001 for both VAS and MODI), and in PRP group at 6months (P < 0.001 for both VAS and MODI) with non-significant difference at 3months (P = 0.605 for MODI and P = 0.612 for VAS). More than 90% tested SLRT negative in PRP group and 62% in steroid group at 6months. No serious complications were seen. Transforaminal injections of PRP and steroid improve short-term (up to 3months) clinical outcome scores in discogenic lumbar radiculopathy, but clinically meaningful improvements sustaining for 6months were provided by PRP only.

Therapeutic Role of Transforaminal Steroid Injection for the Management of Radicular Pain: Survival Rate in Patients with Radicular Pain Secondary to Degenerative Lumbar Pathology

Background: The effectiveness of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) as a therapeutic tool for radicular pain (RP) in the short term has been demonstrated, however, in the medium or long term it is controversial. Objectives: The objective of this work is to evaluate its usefulness as a therapeutic tool through survival analysis. Study Design: Method: Retrospective evaluation of 93 patients with RP secondary to degenerative pathology (DP) of the lumbar spine, submitted to TFESI, by the same spine surgeon, analyzing demographic variables and clinical results according to McNab score, as well as analysis of survival rate of TFESI using Kaplan Meier curve. Results: Of the 93 patients, 59% was male and 41% female, with a mean age of 64 years, with an average follow-up of 27 months. The most frequently infiltrated level was L4-L5 (55.9%) and sciatica was the most common symptom (88.1%) of the patients. The most frequent diagnosis found was disc herniation in 51.6%. 87% of the patients reported improved their symptoms according to the McNab Score, indicating excellent, good or fair results. Only 12.9% indicates poor results. 12.9% of the patients required surgery or a second TFESI within the first three months. The survival rate obtained in our study was of 81% at 51 months. Conclusion: The results obtained in our study showed favorable results with a survival rate of 81% at 51 months for the TFESI, suggesting its efficacy for the management of RD in the medium and long term, thus being able to avoid more invasive procedures with their potential risks

Transforaminal steroid injections for the treatment of lumbar radiculopathy

The utilization of transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs), an elective diagnostic and therapeutic spinal procedure, has risen dramatically over the past decade. Fluoroscopic guidance is important during lumbar epidural injection to increase the certainty of correct needle placement, thus minimizing the risk of complications. Patients with radiculopathy, who did not respond to physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, or analgesics confirmed by magnetic resonance imagining received fluoroscopically guided lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections at the presumed symptomatic nerve root. This study included 32 individuals with lumber radiculopathy and followed at 1, 2 and 4 after injection.

Injection into the Space of Okada During Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections.

Ensuring medication delivery to the epidural space is crucial for effective transforaminal epidural steroid injections. Epidural needle placement is determined by injecting a small amount of contrast at the final needle position. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the appearance of contrast flow in the retrodural retroligamentous space of Okada during computed tomography- and fluoroscopy-guided cervical and lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections. This retrospective study will use a series of cases to demonstrate contrast within the space of Okada during epidural transforaminal steroid injections. Tertiary medical center. Study subjects are adult patients who underwent transforaminal epidural steroid injection at our institution. Cases were identified through the use of a search engine of existing radiology reports at our institution. Epidural steroid injection procedural reports were searched for the terms "Okada" and "retrodural space." Images from the procedure were reviewed by the authors (all proceduralists with dedicated training in spinal injections) to confirm the presence of contrast within the space of Okada. This case series illustrates six examples of contrast injection into the retrodural space of Okada during cervical and lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections. Contrast uptake in the retrodural space of Okada may be seen during transforaminal epidural injections. Although relatively uncommon, it is likely underrecognized. It is extremely important that providers who perform transforaminal epidural steroid injections be familiar with this non-epidural contrast flow pattern so they can adjust needle positioning to deliver steroid to the epidural space.

Persistent Genital Arousal and Major Depressive Disorder in an Adolescent Male: Case Report and Discussion

Persistent genital arousal disorder [PGAD] is a distressing physiologic arousal condition with no psychologic etiology. We highlight identification and treatment of PGAD and associated mental comorbidities in a 15-year-old male who presented to Pediatric Urology with PGAD with pain, and resultant depression and suicidal ideation. After failure of conservative pharmacologic management, MRI of the lumbosacral spine demonstrated an L5-S1 annular tear and herniation of the nucleus pulposus. The patient underwent transforaminal steroid injection with reduction in symptoms, and eventually lumbar discectomy with near complete resolution of symptoms. Management of this condition should include a focus on the mental health component.

Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection for Zoster-Related Pain: The Golden Period for the Best Outcome

Zoster-related pain (ZRP) has many negative effects on a patient's quality of life. The transforaminal steroid injection (TFESI), which reduces neural inflammation and pain, has been advocated by pain physicians. Many reports demonstrated that early administration of TFESI showed better efficacy; however, the golden period during which TFESI is most effective remains unclear. This multicentre retrospective cohort study aimed to identify the golden period by which TFESI yields the best outcome in patients with ZRP. Multicenter, retrospective cohort study. University-affiliated hospitals. After performing the TFESI in patients with ZRP, the patients were classified into two groups: the effective group (E) and the not effective group (N) based on the changes in the pain intensity 3 months after the TFESI. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the cut-off time point for predicting TFESI effectiveness. Furthermore, a logistic regression analysis was performed to identify patients' factors associated with a successful treatment outcome. Of the 302 patients, 186 and 116 patients were classified into the E and N group, respectively. ROC curve analysis showed that the best cut-off time point for TFESI was 12 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI]; 10-14 weeks) after the onset of HZ. The only variable associated with a favorable outcome was a symptom duration of ? 12 weeks compared with > 12 weeks (Odd ratio, 0.107; 95% CI, 0.055-0.205; P < 0.001). Other patient variables were not significantly associated with the effectiveness of TFESI. TFESI was most effective when administered within 12 weeks of the onset of herpes zoster. This study was not a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) and the follow-up period was only 3 months after TFESI. TFESI is more effective when administered within 12 weeks of onset of herpes zoster.

Complications of Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Spinal Osseous Metastases: An 8-Year Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the complication rate of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of spinal osseous metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This retrospective HIPAA-compliant study reviewed complications of radiofrequency ablation combined with vertebral augmentation performed on 266 tumors in 166 consecutive patients for management of vertebral metastases between January 2012 and August 2019. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) was used to categorize complications as major (grade 3-4) or minor (grade 1-2). Local tumor control rate as well as pain palliation effects evaluated by the Brief Pain Inventory scores determined 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment were documented. Wilcoxon signed rank and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS. Among 266 treated tumors, the total complication rate was 3.0% (8/266), the major complication rate was 0.4% (1/266), and the minor complication rate was 2.6% (7/266). The single major (CTCAE grade 3) periprocedural complication was characterized by lower extremity weakness, difficulty in urination, and lack of erection as a result of spinal cord venous infarct. The seven minor complications included four cases of periprocedural transient radicular pain (CTCAE grade 2) requiring transforaminal steroid injections, one case of delayed secondary vertebral body fracture (CTCAE grade 2) requiring analgesics, and two cases of asymptomatic spinal cord edema on routine follow-up imaging (CTCAE grade 1). The local tumor control rate was 78.9%. There were statistically significant pain palliation effects at all postprocedural time intervals (p < .001 for all). CONCLUSION. Radiofrequency ablation of spinal osseous metastases is safe with a 3.0% rate of complications.

The Synergistic Effect of Combined Transforaminal and Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection in Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniations.

BackgroundRecurrent lumbar disc herniation (RLDH) is one of the most common causes of chronic low back and leg pain. Although surgical treatment has high success rates in primary lumbar disc herniations, recurrence is not an uncommon clinic condition after the surgery. Considering the recurrent surgeries have lower success rates and higher risks, such as dural tear and nerve injury, alternative treatment modalities are needed for RLDH patients. Epidural steroid injections (ESI), particularly transforaminal steroid injection (TFESI) and caudal steroid injection (CESI), which are the alternative treatments to surgery, have not shown reasonable results in RLDH separately. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of combined TFESI and CESI (TFESI + CESI) treatment, which has been found successful in primary lumbar disc herniation (PLDH) and on pain control and quality of life in RLDH patients for the first time.Materials and methodsA total of 71 patients, who had ESI treatment as only TFESI or TFESI + CESI because of RLDH in our clinic between March 2017 and February 2020, were investigated retrospectively. The visual analog scale (VAS) leg, VAS back, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to assess leg pain, low back pain, and limitation of daily routine activities. Each assessment was done before the intervention and repeated at the third week, the third month, and the sixth month of injection, and the results were noted.ResultsOut of 71 patients, 38 were female and 33 male. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to the applied ESI methods as only TFESI (n = 32) and TFESI + CESI (n = 39). In the only TFESI group, the mean VAS leg score was 7.84, 4.63, 5.40, and 6.19 before, at the third week, the third month, and the sixth month of the injection, respectively. Also, in this group, the mean VAS back score was 8.06, 4.16, 4.88, and 5.97; the mean ODI score was 55.81, 34.31, 37.5, and 49.04 in the same respect. In the TFESI + CESI group, the mean VAS leg score was 8.20, 2.87, 3.64, 4.23; mean VAS back score 8.03, 3.05, 3.90, 4.08; mean ODI score 56.56, 28.05, 30.21, 33.64 before, at the third week, third month, and sixth month of the injection, respectively. The mean of the initial VAS leg, VAS back, and ODI scores was not found to be statistically significantly different between the two groups. The mean of all VAS leg, VAS back, and ODI scores was found to be lower in the TFESI + CESI group than the only TFESI group at each third-week, third-month, and sixth-month controls, and these differences were statistically significant. (p<0.0001 at each controls for VAS leg; p = 0.001 at third week, p = 0.002 at third month and p <0.0001 at sixth month for VAS back; p= 0.0003 at third week, p<0.0001 at third month, p<0.0001 at sixth month for ODI)ConclusionOur study demonstrates that TFESI + CESI treatment is an effective non-surgical treatment for RLDH. Considering the higher risks and lower success rates of recurrent surgeries, TFESI + CESI can be a potential treatment option for RLDH patients.