Interlaminar epidural steroid injections for low back pain in rural Ontario.

INTRODUCTION We sought to document the efficacy of interlaminar epidural steroid injections (ESIs) for the relief of low back pain in a rural population. METHODS We conducted a prospective observational cohort study with brief follow-up telephone interviews at 1, 3 and 6 months after interlaminar ESI. RESULTS A total of 47 ESIs were administered to the 24 participants. In an intention-to-treat analysis, pain relief was achieved in 78.7%, 55.3% and 27.7% of participants at 1, 3 and 6 months. CONCLUSION Interlaminar ESIs, without fluoroscopic guidance, were effective for up to 3 months of symptom relief.