Long-Term Complications of Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections (ESI) are common pain-relief procedures performed throughout the world, yet there remains controversy regarding their long-term safety. On the basis of current literature, serious long-term complications are rare yet can have devastating results. Potential etiologies for long-term complications associated with ESI include infection, bleeding, endocrine effects, neurotoxicity, and neurologic injury. Despite the multitude of literature on ESI, there is still a lack of studies specifically addressing possible long-term complications. Further research is therefore warranted. © 2014, Springer Science + Business Media New York.