TREATMENT OF SCIATICA BY INTERLAMINAR EPIDURAL CORTICOSTEROID INJECTIONS IN MOSUL CITY

Abstract

Objective: This study is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ECIs in cases of sciatica in Mosul city with the aim of pain alleviation and improving physical performance. Methods: This study was conducted at Al-Salam Teaching Hospital. Patients were well informed of ECIs therapeutic profile. Enrolled patients have sciatic symptoms for at least 3 months prior to the study, inadequately responded to conservative therapy. Patients received a mixture of Methylprednisolone injection 80mg along with Normal saline plus Bupivacaine injection. Patients assessment for lower back pain and radiculopathy on basis of NRS score. The results were categorized as excellent, moderate and poor. Results: Fifty-two patients met the criteria for inclusion, 45 were males and 7 females. Their ages 25 - 46 years. The disease duration was between 2 months to 4 years. The first symptoms at presentation were pain (100%), paresthesia (25%), radiculopathy (53%), claudication (13%) and limitation in daily activity (46%). Forty-five patients received 1 injection, 3 patients received 2 and 4 received 3 injections. Eighty seven percent of the participants achieved a statistically significant decline in NRS as compared to baseline (P < 0.001). Mild to moderate side effects were developed by 23% of patients immediately after injection. Excellent results were noticed in 52%, moderate in 40% and poor results reported in 8% of cases. Conclusion: ECI is extremely good option for patients with sciatica who failed to respond to conservative therapy. It is safe and effective for patients unfit for surgery, spared patient from surgery, decreases analgesic intake and allows patient to return to work early.