CT-guided epidural steroid injections in lumbar spinal stenosis

Objective: To identify the short and long-term therapeutic benefits of CT-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injections in lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods: Thirty six patients with lumbar spinal stenosis shown by CT underwent CT-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injections because of irresponsible to conservative treatment. Patients were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) before the initial injection, at 2 weeks and 1 year after the injection. Results: All patients were followed up for 2 weeks and 1 year. 19 (52.8%) patients had successful short-term outcome, and 15(41.6%) had long-term outcome. 15(41.6%) patients satisfied with the short-term result and 12(33.3%) were satisfactory with the long-term result. Conclusions: CT-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injection may reduce the pain and improve the quality of life in some patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. (authors)