A Systematic Evaluation of the Therapeutic
Effectiveness of Sacroiliac Joint Interventions

Background: The contribution of the sacroiliac joint to low back and lower extremity pain has been a subject of debate with extensive research. It is generally accepted that approximately 10% to 25% of patients with persistent low back pain may have pain arising from the sacroiliac joints. In spite of this, there are currently no definite conservative, interventional, or surgical management options for managing sacroiliac joint pain. In addition, there continue to be significant variations in the application of various techniques as well as a paucity of literature. Study Design: A systematic review of therapeutic sacroiliac joint interventions. Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of therapeutic sacroiliac joint interventions. Methods: The available literature on therapeutic sacroiliac joint interventions in managing chronic low back and lower extremity pain was reviewed. The quality assessment and clinical relevance criteria utilized were the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Review Group criteria for randomized trials of interventional techniques and the criteria developed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. The level of evidence was classified as good, fair, or limited (or poor) based on the quality of evidence developed by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Data sources included relevant literature published from 1966 through December 2011 that was identified through searches of PubMed and EMBASE, and manual searches of the bibliographies of known primary and review articles. Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was pain relief (short-term relief = up to 6 months and long-term > 6 months). Secondary outcome measures were improvement in functional status, psychological status, return to work, and reduction in opioid intake. Results: For this systematic review, 56 studies were considered for inclusion. Of these, 45 studies were excluded and a total of 11 studies met inclusion criteria for methodological quality assessment with 6 randomized trials and 5 non-randomized studies. The evidence for cooled radiofrequency neurotomy in managing sacroiliac joint pain is fair. The evidence for effectiveness of intraarticular steroid injections is limited (or poor). The evidence for periarticular injections of local anesthetic and steroid or botulinum toxin is limited (or poor). The evidence for effectiveness of conventional radiofrequency neurotomy is limited (or poor). The evidence for pulsed radiofrequency is limited (or poor). Limitations: The limitations of this systematic review include a paucity of literature on therapeutic interventions, variations in technique, and variable diagnostic standards for sacroiliac joint pain. Conclusions: The evidence was fair in favor of cooled radiofrequency neurotomy and limited (or poor) for short-term and long-term relief from intraarticular steroid injections, periarticular injections with steroids or botulin toxin, pulsed radiofrequency, and conventional radiofrequency neurotomy. Key words: Chronic low back pain, sacroiliac joint pain, sacroiliitis, sacroiliac joint injection, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, thermal radiofrequency, pulsed radiofrequency

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Sacroiliac Joint Interventions: A Systematic Review

January 2018 - Pain Physician ◽

10.36076/ppj.2007/10/165 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 1;10 (1;1) ◽

pp. 165-184

Author(s):

Hans C. Hansen

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Local Anesthetic ◽

Sacroiliac Joint ◽

Joint Pain ◽

Low Back ◽

Sacroiliac Joint Pain ◽

Radiofrequency Neurotomy ◽

Joint Injections

Background: The sacroiliac joint is a diarthrodial synovial joint with abundant innervation and capability of being a source of low back pain and referred pain in the lower extremity. There are no definite historical, physical, or radiological features to provide definite diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pain, although many authors have advocated provocational maneuvers to suggest sacroiliac joint as a pain generator. An accurate diagnosis is made by controlled sacroiliac joint diagnostic blocks. The sacroiliac joint has been shown to be a source of pain in 10% to 27% of suspected cases with chronic low back pain utilizing controlled comparative local anesthetic blocks. Intraarticular injections, and radiofrequency neurotomy have been described as therapeutic measures. This systematic review was performed to assess diagnostic testing (non-invasive versus interventional diagnostic techniques) and to evaluate the clinical usefulness of interventional techniques in the management of chronic sacroiliac joint pain. Objective: To evaluate and update the available evidence regarding diagnostic and therapeutic sacroiliac joint interventions in the management of sacroiliac joint pain. Study Design: A systematic review using the criteria as outlined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Cochrane Review Group Criteria for therapeutic interventions and AHRQ, and Quality Assessment for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) for diagnostic studies. Methods: The databases of EMBASE and MEDLINE (1966 to December 2006), and Cochrane Reviews were searched. The searches included systematic reviews, narrative reviews, prospective and retrospective studies, and cross-references from articles reviewed. The search strategy included sacroiliac joint pain and dysfunction, sacroiliac joint injections, interventions, and radiofrequency. Results: The results of this systematic evaluation revealed that for diagnostic purposes, there is moderate evidence showing the accuracy of comparative, controlled local anesthetic blocks. Prevalence of sacroiliac joint pain is estimated to range between 10% and 27% using a double block paradigm. The false-positive rate of single, uncontrolled, sacroiliac joint injections is around 20%. The evidence for provocative testing to diagnose sacroiliac joint pain is limited. For therapeutic purposes, intraarticular sacroiliac joint injections with steroid and radiofrequency neurotomy were evaluated. Based on this review, there is limited evidence for short-term and longterm relief with intraarticular sacroiliac joint injections and radiofrequency thermoneurolysis. Conclusions: The evidence for the specificity and validity of diagnostic sacroiliac joint injections is moderate. The evidence for accuracy of provocative maneuvers in diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pain is limited. The evidence for therapeutic intraarticular sacroiliac joint injections is limited. The evidence for radiofrequency neurotomy in managing chronic sacroiliac joint pain is limited. Keywords: Low back pain, sacroiliac joint pain, axial pain, spinal pain, diagnostic block, sacroiliac joint injection, thermal radiofrequency, and pulsed radiofrequency

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Systematic Review of Effectiveness and Complications of Adhesiolysis in the Management of Chronic Spinal Pain: An Update

January 2018 - Pain Physician ◽

10.36076/ppj.2007/10/129 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 1;10 (1;1) ◽

pp. 129-146

Author(s):

Andrea M Trescot

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Lower Extremity ◽

Randomized Trials ◽

Spinal Pain ◽

Low Back ◽

Short Term ◽

Lower Extremity Pain

Background: Percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis and spinal endoscopic adhesiolysis are interventional pain management techniques used to treat patients with refractory low back pain due to epidural scarring. Standard epidural steroid injections are often ineffective, especially in patients with prior back surgery. Adhesions in the epidural space can prevent the flow of medicine to the target area; lysis of these adhesions can improve the delivery of medication to the affected areas, potentially improving the therapeutic efficacy of the injected medications. Study Design: A systematic review utilizing the methodologic quality criteria of the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Review Group for randomized trials and the criteria established by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) for evaluation of randomized and non-randomized trials. Objective: To evaluate and update the effectiveness of percutaneous adhesiolysis and spinal endoscopic adhesiolysis in managing chronic low back and lower extremity pain due to radiculopathy, with or without prior lumbar surgery, since the 2005 systematic review. Methods: Basic search identified the relevant literature, in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and BioMed databases (November 2004 to September 2006). Manual searches of bibliographies of known primary and review articles, and abstracts from scientific meetings within the last 2 years were reviewed. Randomized and non-randomized studies are included in the review based on criteria established. Percutaneous adhesiolysis and endoscopic adhesiolysis are analyzed separately. Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was significant pain relief (50% or greater). Other outcome measures were functional improvement, improvement of psychological status, and return to work. Short-term relief was defined as less than 3 months, and long-term relief was defined as 3 months or longer. Results: Studies regarding the treatment of epidural adhesions for the treatment of low back and lower extremity pain were sought and reviewed. The evidence from the previous systematic review was combined with new studies since November 2004. There is strong evidence for short term and moderate evidence for long term effectiveness of percutaneous adhesiolysis and spinal endoscopy. Conclusion: Percutaneous adhesiolysis and spinal endoscopy may be effective interventions to treat low back and lower extremity pain caused by epidural adhesions. Key Words: Spinal pain, chronic low back pain, percutaneous adhesiolysis, spinal endoscopic adhesiolysis, spinal stenosis, post lumbar laminectomy syndrome, epidural fibrosis, epidural adhesions, caudal neuroplasty.

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Evaluation of Sacroiliac Joint Interventions: A Systematic Appraisal of the Literature

January 2018 - Pain Physician ◽

10.36076/ppj.2009/12/399 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 2;12 (2;3) ◽

pp. 399-418 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Matthew P. Rupert

Keyword(s):

Local Anesthetic ◽

Sacroiliac Joint ◽

Joint Pain ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Low Back ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Sacroiliac Joint Pain ◽

Radiofrequency Neurotomy ◽

Methodologic Quality ◽

Level Ii

Background: The sacroiliac joint has been implicated as a source of low back and lower extremity pain. There are no definite historical, physical, or radiological features that can definitively establish a diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pain. Based on the present knowledge, an accurate diagnosis is made only by controlled sacroiliac joint diagnostic blocks. The sacroiliac joint has been shown to be a source of pain in 10% to 27% of suspected patients with chronic low back pain utilizing controlled comparative local anesthetic blocks. Study Design: A systematic review of diagnostic and therapeutic sacroiliac joint interventions. Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic sacroiliac joint interventions and the utility of therapeutic sacroiliac joint interventions. Methods: The literature search was carried out by searching the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane reviews. Methodologic quality assessment of included studies was performed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) methodologic quality criteria for diagnostic accuracy and observational studies, whereas randomized trials were evaluated utilizing the Cochrane review criteria. Only studies with scores of 50 or higher were included for assessment. Level of evidence was based on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) criteria. Outcome Measures: For diagnostic interventions, the outcome criteria included at least 50% pain relief coupled with a patient’s ability to perform previously painful maneuvers with sustained relief using placebo-controlled or comparative local anesthetic blocks. For therapeutic purposes, outcomes included significant pain relief and improvement in function and other parameters. Short-term relief for therapeutic interventions was defined as 6 months or less, whereas long-term effectiveness was defined as greater than 6 months. Results: The indicated level of evidence is II-2 for the diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pain utilizing comparative, controlled local anesthetic blocks. The prevalence of sacroiliac joint pain is estimated to range between 10% and 38% using a double block paradigm in the study population. The false-positive rate of single, uncontrolled, sacroiliac joint injections is 20% to 54%. The evidence for provocative testing to diagnose sacroiliac joint pain is Level II-3 or limited. For radiofrequency neurotomy the indicated evidence is limited (Level II-3) for short- and longterm relief. Limitations: The limitations of this systematic review include the paucity of literature evaluating the role of both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and widespread methodological flaws. Conclusions: The indicated evidence for the validity of diagnostic sacroiliac joint injections is Level II-2. The evidence for the accuracy of provocative maneuvers in the diagnosing of sacroiliac joint pain is limited (Level II-3). The evidence for radiofrequency neurotomy is also limited (Level II-3). Key words: Chronic low back pain, sacroiliac joint pain, sacroiliitis, sacroiliac joint injection, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, thermal radiofrequency, pulsed radiofrequency

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The Effects of Radiofrequency Neurotomy Using a Strip-Lesioning Device on Patients with Sacroiliac Joint Pain: Results from a Single-Center, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial

January 2018 - Pain Physician ◽

10.36076/ppj.2018.6.607 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 1 (21;1) ◽

pp. 607-618 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Vivek Mehta

Keyword(s):

Back Pain ◽

Sacroiliac Joint ◽

Joint Pain ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Active Group ◽

Sham Treatment ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Sacroiliac Joint Pain ◽

Radiofrequency Neurotomy

Background: Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) is a therapy aimed at providing lasting back pain relief for sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain. A recent advancement in RFN is a strip lesioning technique that involves placement of a single curved electrode and a 3-pole design that facilitates the creation of 5 overlapping lesions. These lesions form one long strip lesion accessible through a single entry point, without the need for multiple punctures. Although the early case series data looks promising, there is lack of long-term, randomized, controlled study evaluating the strip-lesioning system for SIJ pain. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the safety and effectiveness of RFN using a strip lesioning device for reduction of SIJ pain. Study Design: Prospective, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial with 6-month follow-up Setting: A tertiary care interventional pain management center in the UK Methods: Patients with SIJ pain with positive diagnostic local anesthetic blocks were randomly assigned (2:1) to either the sham (no RF lesions performed) or the active group (RF lesions performed). The primary endpoint was improvement of pain using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) at 3 months. Results were analyzed using nonparametric tests. Safety, secondary, and long-term outcome data were also collected. Results: Seventeen of 30 enrolled patients were randomly assigned to active treatment (n = 11) or sham treatment (n = 6). At 3 months, the mean NRS-11 score for the active group had decreased significantly, from 8.1 (± 0.8) at baseline to 3.4 (± 2.0) (P < 0.001). The sham group did not experience a statistically or clinically meaningful decrease in mean NRS-11 score from baseline (7.3 ± 0.8) to 3 months (7.0 ± 1.7). On average, patients in the active group moved from borderline anxiety at baseline (9.4 ± 5.9) to no anxiety (6.6 ± 6.3) at 3 months. Results were similar at 6 months. Limitations: Recruitment was stopped at 30 enrolled patients, only 17 of whom were randomly assigned to active or sham treatment, after the interim analysis indicated a statistically significant (P < 0.001) difference in the pain outcome between the treatment and the sham groups. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that radiofrequency neurotomy using a strip lesioning device is an appropriate therapy to treat SIJ pain. Key words: Radiofrequency, sacroiliac joint pain, low back pain, neurotomy, randomized controlled trial, simplicity

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A Systematic Evaluation of Prevalence and Diagnostic Accuracy of Sacroiliac Joint Interventions

January 2018 - Pain Physician ◽

10.36076/ppj.2012/15/e305 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 3;15 (3;5) ◽

pp. E305-E344 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Thomas T. Simopoulos

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Diagnostic Accuracy ◽

Local Anesthetic ◽

Sacroiliac Joint ◽

Joint Pain ◽

The United States ◽

Low Back ◽

Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Background: The contributions of the sacroiliac joint to low back and lower extremity pain have been a subject of considerable debate and research. It is generally accepted that 10% to 25% of patients with persistent mechanical low back pain below L5 have pain secondary to sacroiliac joint pathology. However, no single historical, physical exam, or radiological feature can definitively establish a diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pain. Based on present knowledge, a proper diagnosis can only be made using controlled diagnostic blocks. The diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac joint pain continue to be characterized by wide variability and a paucity of the literature. Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic sacroiliac joint interventions. Study Design: A systematic review of diagnostic sacroiliac joint interventions. Methods: Methodological quality assessment of included studies was performed using Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies (QAREL). Only diagnostic accuracy studies meeting at least 50% of the designated inclusion criteria were utilized for analysis. Studies scoring less than 50% are presented descriptively and analyzed critically. The level of evidence was classified as good, fair, or limited (or poor) based on the quality of evidence developed by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Data sources included relevant literature identified through searches of PubMed and EMBASE from 1966 to December 2011, and manual searches of the bibliographies of known primary and review articles. Outcome Measures: In this evaluation we utilized controlled local anesthetic blocks using at least 50% pain relief as the reference standard. Results: The evidence is good for the diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pain utilizing controlled comparative local anesthetic blocks. The prevalence of sacroiliac joint pain is estimated to range between 10% and 62% based on the setting; however, the majority of analyzed studies suggest a point prevalence of around 25%, with a false-positive rate for uncontrolled blocks of approximately 20%. The evidence for provocative testing to diagnose sacroiliac joint pain was fair. The evidence for the diagnostic accuracy of imaging is limited. Limitations: The limitations of this systematic review include a paucity of literature, variations in technique, and variable criterion standards for the diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pain. Conclusions: Based on this systematic review, the evidence for the diagnostic accuracy of sacroiliac joint injections is good, the evidence for provocation maneuvers is fair, and evidence for imaging is limited. Key words: Chronic low back pain, sacroiliac joint pain, sacroiliitis, sacroiliac joint injection, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, provocation manuevers, controlled diagnostic blocks, intraarticular injection, extraarticular injection.

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Characteristics of the spinopelvic parameters of patients with sacroiliac joint pain

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-84737-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Juichi Tonosu ◽

Hiroyuki Oka ◽

Kenichi Watanabe ◽

Hiroaki Abe ◽

Akiro Higashikawa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sacroiliac Joint ◽

Joint Pain ◽

Pelvic Incidence ◽

Demographic Characteristics ◽

Sacral Slope ◽

Low Back ◽

Spinopelvic Parameters ◽

Sacroiliac Joint Pain ◽

Physical Findings ◽

Univariate Analyses

AbstractTo evaluate the characteristics of the spinopelvic parameters on radiography in patients with sacroiliac joint pain (SIJP). Two hundred fifty patients were included and divided into the SIJP group (those diagnosed with SIJP based on physical findings and response to analgesic periarticular injections; n = 53) and the non-SIJP group (those with low back pain [LBP] because of other reasons; n = 197). We compared their demographic characteristics and spinopelvic parameters using radiography. All differences found in the patients’ demographic characteristics and spinopelvic parameters were analyzed. More female participants experienced SIJP than male participants (P = 0.0179). Univariate analyses revealed significant differences in pelvic incidence (PI) (P = 0.0122), sacral slope (SS) (P = 0.0034), and lumbar lordosis (LL) (P = 0.0078) between the groups. The detection powers for PI, SS, and LL were 0.71, 0.84, and 0.66, respectively. Logistic regression analyses, after adjustment for age and sex, revealed significant differences in PI (P = 0.0308) and SS (P = 0.0153) between the groups, with odds ratios of 1.03 and 1.05, respectively. More female participants experienced SIJP than male participants. Higher PI and SS values were related to SIJP among LBP patients.

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Intervertebral disc therapies for non-specific chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease ◽

10.1177/1759720x211028001 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

pp. 1759720X2110280

Author(s):

Camille Daste ◽

Stéphanie Laclau ◽

Margaux Boisson ◽

François Segretin ◽

Antoine Feydy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Intervertebral Disc ◽

Chronic Low Back Pain ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Activity Limitations ◽

Low Back ◽

Short Term

Objectives: We aim to evaluate the benefits and harms of intervertebral disc therapies (IDTs) in people with non-specific chronic low back pain (NScLBP). Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials of IDTs versus placebo interventions, active comparators or usual care. EMBASE, MEDLINE, CENTRAL and CINHAL databases and conference abstracts were searched from inception to June 2020. Two independent investigators extracted data. The primary outcome was LBP intensity at short term (1 week–3 months), intermediate term (3–6 months) and long term (after 6 months). Results: Of 18 eligible trials (among 1396 citations), five assessed glucocorticoids (GCs) IDTs and were included in a quantitative synthesis; 13 assessed other products including etanercept ( n = 2), tocilizumab ( n = 1), methylene blue ( n = 2), ozone ( n = 2), chymopapaine ( n = 1), glycerol ( n = 1), stem cells ( n = 1), platelet-rich plasma ( n = 1) and recombinant human growth and differentiation factor-5 ( n = 2), and were included in a narrative synthesis. Standardized mean differences (95% CI) for GC IDTs for LBP intensity and activity limitations were −1.33 (−2.34; −0.32) and −0.76 (−1.85; 0.34) at short term, −2.22 (−5.34; 0.90) and −1.60 (−3.51; 0.32) at intermediate term and −1.11 (−2.91; 0.70) and −0.63 (−1.68; 0.42) at long term, respectively. Odds ratios (95% CI) for serious and minor adverse events with GC IDTs were 1.09 (0.25; 4.65) and 0.97 (0.49; 1.91). Conclusion: GC IDTs are associated with a reduction in LBP intensity at short term in people with NScLBP. Positive effects are not sustained. IDTs have no effect on activity limitations. Our conclusions are limited by high heterogeneity and a limited methodological quality across studies. Registration PROSPERO: CRD42019106336.

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Lumbar Interlaminar Epidural Injections in Managing Chronic Low Back and Lower Extremity Pain: A Systematic Review

January 2018 - Pain Physician ◽

10.36076/ppj.2009/12/163 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 1;12 (1;1) ◽

pp. 163-188 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Allan T. Parr

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Lower Extremity ◽

Spinal Stenosis ◽

Disc Herniation ◽

Low Back ◽

Short Term ◽

Discogenic Pain ◽

Epidural Injections ◽

Lower Extremity Pain

Background: Low back pain with or without lower extremity pain is the most common problem among chronic pain disorders with significant economic, societal, and health impact. Epidural injections are one of the most commonly performed interventions in the United States in managing chronic low back pain. However the evidence is highly variable among different techniques utilized – namely interlaminar, caudal, transforaminal – and for various conditions, namely – intervertebral disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and discogenic pain without disc herniation or radiculitis. Study Design: A systematic review of lumbar interlaminar epidural injections with or without steroids. Objective: To evaluate the effect of lumbar interlaminar epidural injections with or without steroids in managing various types of chronic low back and lower extremity pain emanating as a result of disc herniation or radiculitis, spinal stenosis, and chronic discogenic pain. Methods: Review of the literature and methodologic quality assessment were performed according to the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Review Group Criteria as utilized for interventional techniques for randomized trials and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) criteria for observational studies. The level of evidence was classified as Level I, II, or III based on the quality of evidence developed by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for therapeutic interventions. Data sources included relevant literature of the English language identified through searches of PubMed and EMBASE from 1966 to November 2008, and manual searches of bibliographies of known primary and review articles. Results of analysis were performed for multiple conditions separately. Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was pain relief (short-term relief = up to 6 months and long-term > 6 months). Secondary outcome measures were improvement in functional status, psychological status, return to work, and reduction in opioid intake. Results: The available literature included only blind epidural injections without fluoroscopy. The indicated evidence is positive (Level II-2) for short-term relief of pain of disc herniation or radiculitis utilizing blind interlaminar epidural steroid injections with lacking of evidence with Level III for long-term relief for disc herniation and radiculitis. The evidence is lacking with Level III for short and long-term relief for spinal stenosis and discogenic pain without radiculitis or disc herniation utilizing blind epidural injections. Limitations: The limitations of this study include paucity of literature, lack of quality evidence, lack of fluoroscopic procedures, and lack of applicable evidence in contemporary interventional pain management practices. Conclusion: The evidence based on this systematic review is limited for blind interlaminar epidurals in managing all types of pain except for short-term relief of pain secondary to disc herniation and radiculitis. This evidence does not represent contemporary interventional pain management practices and also the evidence may not be extrapolated to fluoroscopically directed lumbar interlaminar epidural injections. Key words: Chronic low back pain, lower extremity pain, disc herniation, radiculitis, spinal stenosis, discogenic pain, lumbar interlaminar epidural injections, caudal epidural injections, transforaminal epidural injections, epidural steroids, local anesthetic

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