Chronic lumbosacral radiculopathy secondary to lumbar spinal stenosis affects a large number of individuals, and there is a general lack of consensus in the medical community in terms of effective treatments for this problem. By assessing the relative efficacy of transforaminal epidural injections of particulate and nonparticulate steroids, this study attempts to further define the appropriate conservative management of painful unilateral radiculopathies due to unilateral lumbar foraminal stenosis. Patients will be randomized to receive a transforaminal epidural injection of either a particulate (Kenalog) or nonparticulate (Decadron) steroid. Outcomes will be assessed at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months following the injection.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
80 mg of Kenalog will be used.
15 mg of Decadron will be used.
Patient will receive epidural steroid injections of either Kenalog or Decadron.
Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, New York, United States
Improvement in function (2 weeks post-injection)
This will be measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI; 0-100 scale). A higher score represents greater disability (greater pain and functional limitations).
Time frame: 2 weeks post-injection
Improvement in function (6 weeks post-injection)
This will be measured using the ODI (0-100 scale). A higher score represents greater disability (greater pain and functional limitations).
Time frame: 6 weeks post-injection
Improvement in function (3 months post-injection)
This will be measured using the ODI (0-100 scale). A higher score represents greater disability (greater pain and functional limitations).
Time frame: 3 months post-injection
Improvement in function (6 months post-injection)
This will be measured using the ODI (0-100 scale). A higher score represents greater disability (greater pain and functional limitations).
Time frame: 6 months post-injection
Medication use
The use of any pain medications (e.g., opioids, anti-inflammatory drugs, neuropathic medications) will be collected.
Time frame: 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-injection
Patient satisfaction with the procedure
Satisfaction will be assessed using the North American Spine Society Outcome Questionnaire. Patients will be asked to pick from 4 multiple choice statements regarding their satisfaction with their procedure.
Time frame: 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-injection
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Quality of life
This will be assessed using the Veterans RAND 12-item Health Survey.
Time frame: 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-injection
Side effects
Side effects, including bleeding, infection, allergic reaction, dural puncture, nerve damage, and paralysis, will be collected.
Time frame: 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-injection