Türk Nöroşirürji Dergisi 2016 , Vol 26 , Num 1
The Short- and Long-term Effects of the Combined Usage of Transforaminal and Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection Treatments for Low Back Pain
Atilla KIRCELLİ, Cem YILMAZ
Başkent Üniversitesi, Tıp Fakültesi, Beyin ve Sinir Cerrahisi Anabilim Dalı, Ankara, Türkiye AIM: To evaluate the short- and long-term efficacy of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFSI) combined with caudal epidural steroid injection (CESI) in patients with lumbar radiculopathy.

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