Transforaminal epidural steroid injection combined with pulsed radio frequency on spinal nerve root for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation

Background: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common disease in clinical practice. The symptoms recur and are aggravated by time; severe pain and long-term movement disorder cause physiological and psychological problems that affect the quality of life of patients. Therefore, relieving the pain symptoms and promoting functional recovery are the primary goals that have gained increased attention. Objective: To assess the efficacy of CT-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) combined with pulsed radio frequency (PRF) on spinal nerve root for the treatment of LDH. Study design: Retrospective comparative study. Setting: Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. Methods: A total of 135 patients with LDH were selected from the Department of Pain Management in the Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University between January 2014 and December 2016. All patients were divided into three groups according to the order of entry (n=45): TFESI (group A); PRF on spinal nerve root (group B); and TFESI combined with PRF on spinal nerve root (group C). The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and global perceived effect (GPE) before treatment and at different time points after treatment were observed, and patients' satisfaction was assessed. Results: At every point of observation, the VAS and ODI decreased significantly as compared to that before treatment in all groups (P 0.05). Conclusion: TFESI combined with PRF for the treatment of LDH could effectively and rapidly relieve lumbago and radicular pain and achieve long-term remission. Although the method is widely applicable, the precise selection of patients is imperative.