Fluoroscopically-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injection for the treatment of sciatica due to herniated nucleus pulposus

Objective: To discuss the therapeutic benefit of fluoroscopically-guided lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) in treating patients with sciatica due to a herniated nucleus pulposus. Methods: From October 2004 to November 2007, fluoroscopically-guided lumbar TFESI as performed in 79 patients (41 males and 38 females with a mean age of 45.75 years,ranged from 20 to 70 years) with sciatica due to a herniated nucleus pulposus. Patients had a symptomatic course of disease from 8 weeks to 22 years and showed no response to conservative treatment. The diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. TFESI was performed at patient's request. Additional injections, up to 3 times, were given with an interval of 7 or 10 days. The injection medicine consisted of 25 mg of prednisolone acetate and (9-14) ml of 0.5% lidocaine. Patients were evaluated by an independent observer and received questionnaires before the initial injection and at 6,12 months after TFESI. Questionnaires included an eleven points visual analog scale (VAS) and a five points patient satisfaction scale. A successful outcome required a patient satisfaction scale score of 3 (very good) or 4(excellent) and a reduction on the VAS score of 2 or more points after TFESI. Pain relief was classified as 'excellent' when the pain was completely resolved or diminished by 5 points or more, as 'good' when a diminution of pain was 2 points or more, as 'fair' and 'poor' when a diminution of pain was 1 point or less, or even an increase in pain. Results: Twenty-nine patients received single injection, 22 patients received two, 15 patients received three and 13 patients received four times of injection, with a mean of 1.96 times per patient. The mean VAS scores were 6.5(ranged 3.5-9.5) before and 3.8(ranged 0-9.5) 6 months after the procedure. Pain relief was graded as excellent in 35 patients (44.3%), good in 26 patients(32.9%), fair in 10 patients(12.7%), and poor in 8 patients(10%). The mean VAS scores were 4.1(ranged 0-9.5) 12 months after the procedure. Pain relief was graded as excellent in 45 patients (19.7%), good in 48 patients(21%), fair in 45 patients (19.7%) and poor in 91 patients (39.7%). During the operation, injection into the vessels occurred in seven patients and within 15 minutes after TFESI transient headache occurred in 2, hypertension in one and hypotension in one patient. Within 24 hours after TFESI, lumbago and leg pain were aggravated in 4 patients. Conclusion: Fluoroscopically-guided TFESI is a safe and effective therapy for sciatica due to a herniated nucleus pulposus. (authors)