Performing a caudal epidural injection with local anesthetic with or without steroids could be an effective treatment for patients with disc herniation or radiculitis, according to a study published in Spine.
Researchers examined 120 patients presenting with low back and low extremity pain who were diagnosed with disc herniation and radiculitis. The patients were randomized into two groups and either received fluoroscopy-guided caudal epidural injections with an injection of lidocaine or a caudal epidural injection with an additional injection of lidocaine mixed with steroid.
At least 50 percent of the patients reported improved functional status. The Oswestry Disability Index scores were also reduced among more than half of the patients. The relief with the first and second procedures was significantly higher among the patients who received steroids.
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At least 50 percent of the patients reported improved functional status. The Oswestry Disability Index scores were also reduced among more than half of the patients. The relief with the first and second procedures was significantly higher among the patients who received steroids.
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Study Compares Bipedicular to Unipedicular Kyphoplasty
Study: Most Instrumented Lumbar Fusion Patients Don't Require Routine Postoperative Radiographs