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General Orthopaedics

Lumbar Epidurals In The Treatment Of Sciatica, Do They Help?

The South African Orthopaedic Association (SAOA) 57th Annual Congress



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.