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Ter Meulen BC, van Dongen JM, Maas E, van de Vegt MH, Haumann J, Weinstein HC, Ostelo R. Effect of Transforaminal Epidural Corticosteroid Injections in Acute Sciatica: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin J Pain 2023; 39:654-662. [PMID: 37712323 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TESIs) are widely administered for sciatica. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of TESIs in patients with acute sciatica (<8 wk). METHODS This study was conducted in 2 Dutch hospitals. Participants (n=141) were randomly assigned to (1) usual care and TESI of 1 ml of 40 mg/ml Methylprednisolone plus 1 ml of 0.5% Levobupivacaine (intervention 1); (2) usual care and transforaminal epidural injection with 1 ml of 0.5% Levobupivacaine and 1 ml NaCl 0.9% (intervention 2); (3) usual care consisting of oral pain medication with or without physiotherapy (control). Co-primary outcomes were back pain and leg pain intensity, physical functioning, and recovery measured during 6-month follow-up. RESULTS There were no statistically significant mean differences in co-primary outcomes between groups during follow-up, except for leg pain when comparing intervention group 1 with control (-0.96 95%CI:-1.83 to -0.09). For secondary outcomes, some statistical significant between-group differences were found for treatment satisfaction and surgery, but only when comparing intervention group 2 to control. Post hoc analyses showed a statistically significant difference in response [50% improvement of leg pain (yes/no)] between intervention 1 and the control group at 3 months and that both intervention groups used less opioids. DISCUSSION Except for a statistically significant effect of TESI on leg pain for patients with acute sciatica compared with usual care, there were no differences in co-primary outcomes. Nonetheless, transforaminal epidural injections seem to be associated with less opioid use, which warrants further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastiaan C Ter Meulen
- Department of Neurology at OLVG Teaching Hospital
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Sciences, Amsterdam UMC
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and the Amsterdam Movement Sciences Research Institute, Amsterdam
| | - Johanna M van Dongen
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Sciences, Amsterdam UMC
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and the Amsterdam Movement Sciences Research Institute, Amsterdam
| | - Esther Maas
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and the Amsterdam Movement Sciences Research Institute, Amsterdam
| | | | - Johan Haumann
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, OLVG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Raymond Ostelo
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Sciences, Amsterdam UMC
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and the Amsterdam Movement Sciences Research Institute, Amsterdam
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de Bruijn TM, de Groot IB, Miedema HS, Haumann J, Ostelo RW. Clinical Relevance of Epidural Steroid Injections on Lumbosacral Radicular Syndrome-related Synptoms: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clin J Pain 2021; 37:524-537. [PMID: 33859113 PMCID: PMC8162229 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000000943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) can be used to reduce lumbosacral radicular syndrome (LRS) related pain. The clinical relevance of ESIs are currently unknown. This systematic review and meta-analyses aims to assess whether ESIs are clinically relevant for patients with LRS. MATERIALS AND METHODS Comprehensive literature searches for randomized controlled trials regarding steroid injections for LRS were conducted in PudMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL from their inception to September 2018 (December 2019 for PubMed). For each homogenous comparison, the outcomes function, pain intensity and health-related quality of life at different follow-up intervals were pooled separately. The GRADE approach was used to determine the overall certainty of the evidence. RESULTS Seventeen studies were included. Two different homogenous comparisons were identified for which the randomized controlled trials could be pooled. In 36 of the 40 analyses no clinically relevant effect was found. The certainty of evidence varied between very low to high. Four analyses found a clinically relevant effect, all on pain intensity and health-related quality of life, but the certainty of the evidence was either low or very low. Two of the 33 subgroup analyses showed a clinically relevant effect. However, according to the GRADE approach the certainty of these findings are low to very low. DISCUSSION On the basis of the analyses we conclude there is insufficient evidence that ESIs for patients with LRS are clinically relevant at any follow-up moment. High-quality studies utilizing a predefined clinical success are necessary to identify potential clinically relevant effects of ESIs. Until the results of these studies are available, there is reason to consider whether the current daily practice of ESIs for patients with LRS should continue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. de Bruijn
- Department Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
- National Health Care Institute, Diemen
| | | | - Harald S. Miedema
- National Health Care Institute, Diemen
- Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Raymond W.J.G. Ostelo
- Department Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam UMC (Location VUmc) and Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam
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Comparing the short-term cost-effectiveness of epidural steroid injections and medical management alone for discogenic lumbar radiculopathy. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2020; 191:105675. [PMID: 31954364 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.105675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a commonly used treatment strategy for low back pain and lumbar radiculopathy. However, their cost-effectiveness and ability to mediate long-term quality of life (QOL) improvements is debated. We sought to analyze the cost-effectiveness of lumbar epidural steroid injections (ESIs) compared to medical management alone for patients with lumbar radiculopathy and low back pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS QOL outcomes were prospectively collected at 3- and 6-months following initial consultation. Metrics included the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire, the Pain Disability Questionnaire (PDQ), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Cost estimations were based on Medicare national payment amounts, median income, and missed workdays. A cost-utility analysis was performed based upon cost estimations and a cost-effectiveness threshold of $100,000/Quality-adjusted life year (QALY). RESULTS One hundred forty-one patients met our inclusion/exclusion criteria; 89 received ESI and 52 were treated with medical management alone. Both cohorts showed improved EQ-5D scores at 3 months but were similar to one another: ESI (ΔEQ-5D = 0.06; p = 0.03) and medical-alone (ΔEQ-5D = 0.07; p = 0.03). No significant difference was seen between groups for total costs ($2,190 vs. $1,772; p = 0.18) or cost-utility ratios ($38,710/QALY vs. $27,313/QALY; p = 0.73). At both the 3-month and 6-month endpoints, absolute differences in cost-utility was driven by overall costs as opposed to QALY gains. Medical management alone was more cost effective at both points owing to lower expenditures, however these differences were not significant. No benefits were seen in either group on the EQ-5D or any of the patient reported outcomes at the 6-month time point. CONCLUSION ESIs were not cost-effective at either the 3-month or 6-month follow-up period. At 3 months, ESIs provide similar improvements in QOL outcomes relative to medical management and at similar costs. At 6 months, neither ESIs nor conservative management provide significant improvements in QOL outcomes.
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Safe Injectate Choice, Visualization, and Delivery for Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections: Evolving Literature and Considerations. CURRENT PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40141-019-00244-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Verheijen E, Munts AG, van Haagen O, de Vries D, Dekkers O, van den Hout W, Vleggeert-Lankamp C. Transforaminal epidural injection versus continued conservative care in acute sciatica (TEIAS trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Neurol 2019; 19:216. [PMID: 31481010 PMCID: PMC6719366 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-019-1445-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sciatica is a condition that is characterised by radicular pain in the leg and primarily caused by a herniated lumbar intervertebral disk. In addition to leg pain, patients can experience back pain, leg numbness and leg weakness resulting in decreased productivity and social activity. The majority of sciatica cases recovers spontaneously and therefore patients are initially treated conservatively with oral pain medication. However, some patients experience intractable pain that severely impedes them and no consensus exists on the optimal conservative treatment to reduce this discomfort in the acute phase of sciatica. The aim of the TEIAS trial is to assess the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and predictive capability on patient outcome of transforaminal epidural injection (TEI) compared to treatment with standard pain medication. METHODS This study is designed as a prospective, open-label, mono-centered, randomized controlled trial. Patients that visit their general practitioner with complaints of radicular leg pain and meet the selection criteria are asked to participate in this study. Eligible patients will be randomized to treatment with TEI or to treatment with standard oral pain medication. Treatment of TEI will comprise lidocaine with methylprednisolone acetate for L3 and below and lidocaine with dexamethasone above L3. A total of 142 patients will be recruited and follow-up will occur after 1, 2, 4, 10 and 21 weeks for assessment of pain, functionality, patient received recovery and cost-effectiveness. The primary outcome will be the average score for leg pain at 2 weeks. For this outcome we defined a clinically relevant difference as 1.5 on the 11-point NRS scale. DISCUSSION Adequate conservative treatment in the acute phase of sciatica is lacking, particularly for patients with severe symptoms. Focusing on effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and predictive capability on patient outcome of TEI will produce useful information allowing for more lucid decision making in the conservative treatment of sciatica in the acute phase. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov database under registry number NCT03924791 on April 23, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduard Verheijen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO Box 9600. 2300, RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander G. Munts
- Department of Neurology, Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem, /Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar van Haagen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem, /Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk de Vries
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem, /Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf Dekkers
- Department of Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wilbert van den Hout
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Knezevic NN, Jovanovic F, Voronov D, Candido KD. Do Corticosteroids Still Have a Place in the Treatment of Chronic Pain? Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1229. [PMID: 30443214 PMCID: PMC6221932 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticosteroids have played a standard role in the multimodal pain management in the treatment of chronic spinal pain (cervical and lumbar) and osteoarthritis pain over the past three decades. In this review we discuss different types of injectable steroids that are mainly used for injection into the epidural space (for the treatment of radicular back and neck pain), and as intra-articular injections for different types of osteoarthritis related pain conditions. Furthermore, we discuss different approaches taken for epidural corticosteroid injections and spinal surgical rates when injections fail to resolve painful conditions, as well as the possibility of using local anesthetics alone for neuraxial injections, instead of in combination with corticosteroids. While we present some beneficial effects of newly available treatment options for low back pain and osteoarthritis pain, such as use of PRP and hyaluronic acid, corticosteroids remain important considerations in the management of these chronic pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nebojsa Nick Knezevic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Filip Jovanovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Dimitry Voronov
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kenneth D Candido
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States
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Chumnanvej S, Kittayapirom K, Chumnanvej S. Visualization of Needle-Tip Localization by Ultrasound Guidance with Contrast Bubble in Lumbar Selective Nerve Root Block: Clinical Pilot Study. World Neurosurg 2017; 111:e418-e423. [PMID: 29274452 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2017.12.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidural steroid injection for low back and leg pain has been shown to result in a positive clinical outcome. Lumbosacral selective nerve root block (SNRB) via a transforaminal approach is commonly performed under fluoroscopic guidance. However, ultrasound guidance is an alternative to overcome the radiologic disadvantages. This study examined the accuracy of needle-tip localization under ultrasound guidance with a contrast bubble, compared with fluoroscopic guidance. OBJECTIVE The primary objectives were to envisage the needle-tip localization with an air bubble by ultrasound and also to determine the accuracy of needle-tip location in transforaminal lumbar SNRB for low back and leg pain patients who were not surgical candidates. METHODS A prospective study of 30 SNRBs was conducted. An air bubble was produced and was used to envisage the needle-tip location under ultrasound guidance. Finally, the needle tip was confirmed by fluoroscopy. The accuracy of needle-tip location was statistically analyzed. RESULTS Twenty-four SNRBs were performed at L4-5 and 6 SNRBs at L3-4. The accuracy of needle-tip localization was 80%. CONCLUSION In order to avoid radiation exposure during the SNRB procedure, ultrasound guidance might be an alternative. Despite being accepted practice, there is a steep learning curve involved in the use of ultrasound guidance for lumbar SNRB, and proper training is crucial. A contrast bubble is a prospective enhancement for better visualization of ultrasound guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorayouth Chumnanvej
- Neurosurgery Division, Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kitipat Kittayapirom
- Neurosurgery Division, Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Siriluk Chumnanvej
- Department of Anesthesiology, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Bardin LD, King P, Maher CG. Diagnostic triage for low back pain: a practical approach for primary care. Med J Aust 2017; 206:268-273. [PMID: 28359011 DOI: 10.5694/mja16.00828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Diagnostic triage is an essential guideline recommendation for low back pain (LBP), which is the most frequent musculoskeletal condition that general practitioners encounter in Australia. Clinical diagnosis of LBP - informed by a focused history and clinical examination - is the key initial step for GPs, and determines subsequent diagnostic workup and allied health and medical specialist referral. The goal of diagnostic triage of LBP is to exclude non-spinal causes and to allocate patients to one of three broad categories: specific spinal pathology (< 1% of cases), radicular syndrome (∼ 5-10% of cases) or non-specific LBP (NSLBP), which represents 90-95% of cases and is diagnosed by exclusion of the first two categories. For specific spinal pathologies (eg, vertebral fracture, malignancy, infection, axial spondyloarthritis or cauda equina syndrome), a clinical assessment may reveal the key alerting features. For radicular syndrome, clinical features distinguish three subsets of nerve root involvement: radicular pain, radiculopathy and spinal stenosis. Differential diagnosis of back-related leg pain is complex and clinical manifestations are highly variable. However, distinctive clusters of characteristic history cues and positive clinical examination signs, particularly from neurological examination, guide differential diagnosis within this triage category. A diagnosis of NSLBP presumes exclusion of specific pathologies and nerve root involvement. A biopsychosocial model of care underpins NSLBP; this includes managing pain intensity and considering risk for disability, which directs matched pathways of care. Back pain is a symptom and not a diagnosis. Careful diagnostic differentiation is required and, in primary care, diagnostic triage of LBP is the anchor for a diagnosis.
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Zuidgeest MG, Goetz I, Grobbee DE. PRECIS-2 in perspective: what is next for pragmatic trials? J Clin Epidemiol 2017; 84:22-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2016.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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