Abstract
Background and Aims:
Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection(TFESI) is a frequently used intervention for lumbar radiculitis but is associated with complications. Trigger-point therapy isa useful adjunct in the treatment of low-back pain. This study compared the efficacy and safety of transforaminal injection with trigger point injections(TPI) for chronic back pain.
Methods:
Clinical data of 1000 patients with back pain were searched retrospectively. All patients received conservative modalities of treatment which continued for a month Patients who did not respond to conservative were given interventional treatment. Data of 90 patients who were given TFESI [group E] and 90 patients who were given TPI[group T] were analysed and followed up to 6 months. Visual analogue scale(VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) score were evaluated beforeprocedure and at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. VAS and ODI for all time intervals were analysed with student’s t-test. Proportions of complications between two groups were compared.
Results:
The VAS score in group E at one month(33±13.16),three months(25±16) and six months (16.14±16) was less than that the scores in group T at one month(40.6±14.16), three month(33±18) and six month(26±22)(figure 1). The difference of VAS and ODI between group E and T was statistically significant.
Figure 1.
– Comparison of visual analogue scale between the groups
Conclusion:
TFESI is more effective than TPI. .However TPI can be added as a step-up procedure between conservative management and TFESI, in patients with low back pain.
Keywords: Low back pain, trigger point, steroid, injection, epidural
References
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