EVALUATION OF CAUDAL EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION FOR MANAGING LOW BACK PAIN AND LUMBAR RADICULOPATHY IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER:  A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Anant  Akash; Nilesh Kumar  Agrawal; Kumar  Rahul; Santosh  Kumar

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i12.1505

Authors

Anant Akash Senior Resident, Department of Orthopaedics, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
Nilesh Kumar Agrawal Senior Resident, Department of Orthopaedics, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
Kumar Rahul Senior Resident, Department of Orthopaedics, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India
Santosh Kumar Professor and Head, Department of Orthopaedics, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i12.1505

Keywords:

Epidural Steroid Injections, Caudal Route, Low Back Pain, Radiculopathy, Pain Relief, Physiotherapy

Abstract

Background

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) have been a prevalent therapeutic intervention for managing pain due to lumbar disc injuries since the 1950s, particularly in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathies. This study evaluates the efficacy of caudal ESIs in alleviating pain and improving functional outcomes in affected patients.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Patna over one year, involving 50 patients with low back pain and radiculopathy. Participants underwent comprehensive assessments based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by caudal epidural steroid injections.

Results

Follow-up evaluations showed that 80% of patients reported complete pain relief by the third day, increasing to 92% by the first month, with all patients (100%) pain-free by the third month. The study also indicated the effectiveness of the intervention when complemented with physiotherapy and postural corrections.

Conclusion

Caudal epidural steroid injections are effective and safe for managing low back pain associated with radiculopathy, significantly improving patient outcomes. These findings support the use of this technique as a reliable option for pain management in this patient population.

Recommendation

The authors advocate for additional research to focus on methodological aspects, including proper allocation concealment and blinding of care providers, to reduce the risk of biased treatment and adverse effect estimates.

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