Transforaminal Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection For Low Back Pain With Radiculopathy. Patients Related 1-Year Outcomes | [Gomal Journal of Medical Sciences • 2025]

Author(s):

1. Asad Ullah Jan: Departments of Orhopedics, Bannu Medical College, Pakistan

2. Abd ullah khan: Departments of Orhopedics, DHQ hospital MTI, Bannu, Pakistan

3. Sajjad Ahmad: Departments of Orhopedics, Bannu Medical College, Pakistan

4. Sajjad khan: Departments of Orhopedics, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals, Swat, Pakistan

5. Sibghat ullah: Departments of Anesthesia, Bannu Medical College, Bannu, Pakistan

6. Shahab ullah: Department of Physiology, Jinnah Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract:

Background: Low back pain with radiculopathy, often resulting from intervertebral disc herniation, significantly impairs quality of life and functions. This study evaluated the efficacy of transforaminal lumbar epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) in providing relief to patients suffering from radiculopathy over a one-year follow-up period. Materials & Methods: An observational, analytical study was conducted on 21 patients aged 25 to 56 yrs. with radiculopathy, confirmed by MRI and unresponsive to conservative treatments, receiving TFESIs at MTI, DHQ Bannu from March 2023 to Sep. 2023. Pain levels were evaluated using a numerical rating scale (NRS), and functional ability was assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Patient satisfaction was measured through the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ). Results: The study analyzed the outcomes of 21 patients undergoing treatment for lumbar disc issues revealed significant improvements in pain and functional ability. The patients, with an age range of 25 to 56 and an almost equal sex distribution, showed substantial reductions in pain (NRS scores) and disability (ODI scores) post treatment. While most patients expressed high satisfaction with the treatment, 38 % continued to use opioids, highlighting the need for ongoing pain management. Additionally, approximately 19% of patients required further surgical interventions. Conclusions: TFESIs appear to be an effective non-surgical intervention for patients with low back pain and radiculopathy due to disc herniation, leading to significant pain reduction and improved function. However, more extensive, multi-center randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of this treatment approach.

Page(s): 40-44

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: Gomal Journal of Medical Sciences, Volume: 23, Issue: 1, Year: 2025

Keywords:

Steroid Injection , pain , Radiculopathy , Lumbar , Back , Transforaminal , Disc

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