Publication:

Comparison of interlaminar epidural steroid versus caudal steroid injection for low back pain with radiculopathy due to disc prolapse

Background Low back pain is a common entity with a lifetime prevalence of 65 to 80 percent in general population, and   usually disrupts work, social activity and activity of daily living. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the results of interlaminar epidural steroid injection versus caudal steroid injection for patients of lower back pain with radiculopathy, due to disc prolapse or disc degeneration in terms of pain relief and complications.

Methods A total of 272 subjects having low back pain with radicular leg pain and MRI evidence of single or double level disc prolapse were chosen. Out of 272, patients were randomly assigned to two group; the first group having 131 patients and second group having 141 patients. The first group received caudal steroid injection, and second group received interlaminar epidural steroid under fluoroscopy control. Follow up for both groups was at 1 week, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.

Results The change in pain scores were rated as mild, moderate and excellent. The interlaminar epidural steroid injection fared excellent in earlier follow up, getting to moderate at 12 weeks’ time. The caudal steroid injection produced moderate relief in early phase at 12 weeks’ time.

Conclusions The caudal steroid injection is cost effective, easy to administer and is having much less complications as compared to interlaminar steroid injection. Both these procedures are safe, well tolerated procedures, and can be performed as outpatient procedures