Abstract
Background:
The reported prevalence of sciatica ranges from 1.2% to 43%. Epidural injections are the most commonly performed interventions for sciatica
Setting:
A provincial based spinal unit
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of lumbar epidural injections with local anaesthetic and steroids, in patients with sciatica secondary to disc herniation in providing effective pain relief.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review of 25 patients given an epidural with local anaesthetic mixed with non-particulate betamethasone.
Patient outcomes were measured at baseline and 6 weeks with the Oswestry Disability Index 2.0 (ODI). Observations of gender, sex, co-morbities and medication intake were made. Decrease of 50% in the Oswestry scores were considered significant.
Results:
Significant pain relief was seen at 6 weeks in 80% of patients and medication intake was decreased.
Limitations:
The study limitations include the lack of a placebo group and the fact that this is a preliminary report of the 25 patients.
Conclusion:
Overall, 80% of patients with sciatica benefited from lumbar epidural injections.
