Lumbar retrodiscal versus post-ganglionic transforaminal epidural steroid injection for the treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniations.

BACKGROUND Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) are procedures often utilized in the treatment of radicular pain. TFESIs with a preganglionic approach have been reported to be more effective than TFESIs performed using a classic approach. However, it is unknown whether TFESIs using a retrodiscal approach are as effective as other approaches. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of an epidural steroid injection (ESI) on radicular pain, we conducted a randomized, controlled trial comparing a retrodiscal approach with a classic approach to treat lumbar disc herniation. DESIGN A case control study. METHODS Forty patients were randomized to receive lumbar TFESIs with either a retrodiscal approach (n=20) or with a classic approach (n=20). Measurements were taken before as well as 4 and 8 weeks after treatment using a visual analog scale (VAS) score, Patient Satisfaction Index (PSI) and the Roland 5-point pain score. RESULTS In the retrodiscal group, there was a statistically significant improvement in the VAS score after injection compared to baseline. In the classic group, there was a statistically significant improvement in the VAS score after injection compared to baseline. There was no statistically significant difference in the VAS score, PSI, or the Roland 5-point pain score between those treated with a retrodiscal approache and those treated with a classic approach. LIMITATIONS Secondary outcomes were not measured and the study did not include a mid- or long-term follow-up period. CONCLUSION In this study, TFESIs performed using a retrodiscal or classic approach had similar effects on radicular pain. The classic and the retrodiscal transforaminal steroid injection resulted in equivalent pain relief.