ULTRASOUND-GUIDED CAUDAL-EPIDURAL BLOCK AND PULSED-RADIOFREQUENCY COMBINED WITH US-GUIDED DRY-NEEDLING TECHNIQUE FOR SEVERE/UNRESPONSIVE LOW-BACK-PAIN MANAGEMENT

Objective: To assess the short-term efficacy of ultrasound-guided caudal epidural steroid injections (ESIs) in improving pain, and nerve function as measured by electrophysiological testing in chronic radicular low back pain. Methods: Patients diagnosed with chronic radicular low back pain were randomized into one of two groups. The injection group (n = 20) underwent a single ultrasound-guided Caudal ESI of 1 ml of 40 mg ml−1 Triamcinolone Acetonide (Kenacort-A), with local anesthetic. The control group (n = 20) underwent a 12-session physiotherapy program. Both groups were evaluated before and 2 weeks after the intervention using visual analog scale for pain and electrophysiological testing comprising peroneal and tibial terminal motor latencies and F-response latencies and chronodispersion. Results: Both groups showed significant pain reduction on the visual analog scale after the intervention. The injection group showed a significant reduction in F wave chronodispersion post-treatment (<0.01). In the control group, there were no significant differences in F wave parameters pre- and post-treatment (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Caudal ESIs were shown to provide short-term improvement of nerve function as evident by improvement in the electrophysiological parameters sensitive to radiculopathy. It was found to be superior to standard physical therapy in this regard. Advances in knowledge: This work shows a novel electrophysiologic evidence of the short-term efficacy ultrasound-guided caudal ESI.

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Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided caudal epidural steroid injection in patients with low back pain and sciatica

Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation ◽

10.3233/bmr-200224 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Kasisin Klunklin ◽

Apiruk Sangsin ◽

Taninnit Leerapun

Keyword(s):

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Conservative Treatment ◽

Steroid Injection ◽

Epidural Steroid Injection ◽

Post Injection ◽

Low Back ◽

Ultrasound Guided ◽

Epidural Steroid ◽

Caudal Epidural

BACKGROUND: Fluoroscopy-guided caudal epidural steroid injection (EDSI) is an option for conservative treatment of low back pain and sciatica; however, repeated exposure to radiation is a concern. With the blind technique, the needle misplacement rate is 30%; hence, ultrasound-guided caudal EDSI is a favored option. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of ultrasound-guided EDSI for low back pain and sciatica. METHODS: One hundred and ten patients with low back pain and sciatica who were unresponsive to conservative treatment, were prospectively recruited. Ultrasound-guided caudal EDSI was administered at 0, 3, and 6 weeks. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was recorded at 0, 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Patients completed the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) at pre-injection and 24 weeks post-injection. RESULTS: VAS was significantly reduced at 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks (p< 0.01). At 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks after injection, 20%, 26%, 74%, and 83% of patients displayed > 50% VAS reduction, respectively. The mean pre-injection RMDQ score was 15 and that post-injection at 24 weeks was 7 (p< 0.01). The majority of patients had > 50% reduction in the RMDQ score. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided EDSI was safe and efficacious for low back pain and sciatica treatment at the intermediate follow-up.

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