Abstract

PAPA DE LA ROSA, P.. Transforaminal epidural steroid injections in lumbosacral radiculopathy: assessment of pain and disability. Rev. Soc. Esp. Dolor [online]. 2014, vol.21, n.4, pp.219-225. ISSN 1134-8046.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1134-80462014000400006.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical benefits of a transforaminal steroid injection in a preliminary simple of patients with lumbosciatica due to compression of the nerve root when conservative measures do not resolve pain. Pain was assessed by the Short form Mc Gill Pain Questionnaire. The importance of this questionnaire is its ability to evaluate the sensory, affective, and evaluative dimensions of pain, therefore providing a more comprehensive approach to the characterization and evaluation of pain. Since low back pain is a leading cause of disability and interferes with basic activities of daily living and work performance, was assessed disability by the Oswestry Disability Index. Both were assessed before the transforaminal epidural injection and afterwards the procedure was performed. Method: The study population included 20 consecutive patients experiencing lumbosciatica secondary to lumbar disk herniation or neuroforaminal stenosis evaluated over a 6 months period. A prospective, non randomized pre/post test study with longitudinal follow up at day 15 and 30 days post procedure was performed. Pain was assessed with the Short form Mc Gill Pain Questionnaire and functionality by the Oswestry Questionnaire version 2.0. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon matched pairs signed ranks test. Values of P ≤ 0.05 were considered to be significant. Results: Clinical improvement was associated with a decrease of all the dimensions of pain evaluated by the Short Form-Mc Gill Pain Questionnaire. Significant differences were observed after 30 days for the sensory and evaluative dimensions of pain. Oswestry scores were not significantly different although self report disability scores improved. Conclusions: Epidural transforaminal injections were an effective treatment in our population. A comprehensive approach to evaluate pain and disability is highly recommendable.

Keywords : Radicular pain; Transforaminal steroid injection; Oswestry Disability Index; Short form Mc Gill Pain Questionnaire.

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