EVALUATION OF COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH TRANSFORAMINAL EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION ADMINISTERED IN LUMBOSACRAL RADICULOPATHY

BACKGROUND Lumbosacral radiculopathy is a common medical and socio-economic problem with a lifetime prevalence estimated to be around40%-60%. Fluoroscopically guided transforaminal injection serve as an important tool in the nonsurgical management of lumbosacral radiculopathy secondary to herniated nucleus pulposus. This study was done in SKIMS Medical College, Srinagar, to evaluate the complications associated with the fluoroscopically-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injections. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Evaluation of complications associated with Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection administered in Lumbosacral Radiculopathy. METHODS This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, SKIMS Medical College and Hospital, Bemina, Srinagar, J & K, India for a 2-year period from November 2012 to October 2014; 110 cases, both male and female in the age group of 20-60 years having back pain with radiculopathy of varied types and duration were enrolled in the study. After selecting a patient, transforaminal block was given using a spinal needle (20-25 Gauge) under fluoroscopic guidance. The complications if any were noted immediately and thereafter. CONCLUSIONS Transforaminal epidural steroid injections is an excellent form of conservative treatment in management of low back ache with radicular pain. It is relatively safe and simple, avoids risks and is associated with insignificant rate of complications which are minor in nature.