An Analysis of The Effectiveness of Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection for Lumbosacral Radiculopathy

Abstract

Background: Epidural steroid injection has been commonly used to alleviate low back pain with radiculopathy. The transforaminal route is one of the techniques for steroid injection. This study analyses the effectiveness of this procedure in treating patients with acute disc herniation.

Methods: In this study,110 patients participated, each being followed up for six months. The total duration of the study was four years. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analogue scale (VAS), and Straight leg raise test (SLR) were used as parameters to determine the effectiveness.

Results: 110 patients received transforaminal steroid injections over four years. Each patient was followed up for six months. The ODI and VAS scores were reduced significantly immediately following the procedure. SLR also improved in patients following the procedure. However, ODI, VAS, and SLR did not improve after three months.

Conclusion: Transforaminal epidural steroid injection is an effective short-term treatment for acute lumbosacral radiculopathy.