MATERIAL and METHODS: We retrospectively examined the records of 48 patients with lumbar radicular pain who underwent TFSI+CESI. We compared pain intensity using a visual numeric scale (VNS), North American Spine Society (NASS) satisfaction index and EQ-5D quality of life scores before the intervention, and after the 1st, 6th, 12th and 48th months.
RESULTS: We identified 31 female, 17 male patients. The mean age was 57.75 ± 16.06 years. The follow-up time was 64.46 ± 9.98 months. There was significantly better pain (VNS) and quality of life (EQ-5D) in the 1st, 6th, 12th and 48th after the procedure (p<0.0001). There was a significant improvement in patient NASS satisfaction index after treatment (p<0.0001).
CONCLUSION: In patients with lumbar radiculopathy, a combined TFSI+CESI technique appears to provide superior short-term pain relief and quality of life than long-term while also providing superior long-term pain relief and quality of life in lower lumbar disc herniations.
Anahtar Kelimeler : Back pain, Radiculopathy, Caudal epidural steroid injection, Transforaminal epidural steroid injection