Short term results of single shot epidural steroid administration in patients with lumbar canal stenosis

Abstract

Background: Lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS) is one of the many reasons of persistent back pain. Spinal canal narrowing due to disc degeneration, osteophytes, and arthritic facet joints is what's known as LSCS. The purpose of this research is to examine the efficacy of epidural steroid administration (ESI) in reducing pain experienced by people with LSCS. Methods: This is a prospective clinical trial conducted on 25 cases from 20 to 70 years old suffering from LSCS with pain and radiculopathy symptoms. They have persistent symptoms for at least 6 months despite medication use & physiotherapy and refused surgery. All the administrations were performed by a single spine surgeon at the same center. A solution containing triamcinolone acetate 40 mg (1 ml), xylocaine 2% (1 ml)) and saline 10 ml as flushing agent. Results: VAS score was significantly decreased at day one, after one and three months of follow up compared to pre-treatment. VAS was also significantly decreased after the first and the third month compared to day one. VAS score was significantly lower in mild and moderate LSCS cases compared to severe LSCS cases after one day, one and three months of epidural steroid administration. The percentage of decrease in VAS score after one day, one and three months of epidural steroid administration from pretreatment VAS were significantly higher in mild and moderate LSCS cases than severe LSCS cases. Conclusions: In situations of spinal canal stenosis, ESI might be regarded as an effective technique for the relief of pain and alleviation of disability.