Table 3.

Evidence Summary for Epidural Steroid Injections

Study author	Study type	Study size	Endpoints	Evidence level	Notes
Ghai et al7	RCT	69	NRS	I-A	Comparing lidocaine versus lidocaine Mixed with methylprednisolone
Manchikanti et al408	RCT	70	NRS	I-A	Comparing local anesthetic only or with local anesthetic mixed with non-particulate betamethasone
Gharibi et al409	RCT	42	NRS	I-A	Comparing interlaminar versus transforaminal epidural steroid injections
Ng et al410	RCT	86	NRS	I-A	Comparing bupivacaine versus bupivacaine and methylprednisolone
Manchikanti et al411	RCT	120	NRS	I-A	Testing effectiveness of transforaminal epidural injections of local anesthetic with or without steroids
Iversen et al412	RCT	461	NRS	I-A	Interventions Subcutaneous sham injections of 2 mL 0.9% saline, caudal epidural injections of 30 mL 0.9% saline, and caudal epidural injections of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide in 29 mL 0.9% saline. Participants received two injections with a two-week interval.
Nandi et al413	RCT	93	VAS	I-A	Comparing steroids versus conservative treatment
Cohen et al414	RCT	145	NRS	I-A	Comparing steroids versus conservative treatment
Vad et al415	RCT	48	VAS	I-A	Comparing steroids versus conservative treatment
Buchner et al416	RCT	40	VAS	I-A	Comparing steroids versus conservative treatment

Abbreviations: RCT, randomized controlled trial; NRS, numeric rating scale; VAS, visual analog scale.