Local application of steroids following lumbar discectomy

Ronen Debi, Nachum Halperin, Yigal Mirovsky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

48 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this prospective randomized clinical study, the effectiveness of epidural steroids to reduce pain following lumbar disc surgery was assessed. Sixty-one patients undergoing lumbar discectomy were included. They were assigned randomly to receive, immediately after removal of the disc, either 80 mg methylprednisolone acetate (Depomedrol) or the same amount (2 mL) of saline. Both were soaked in 2.5 × 2.5 cm of collagen absorbable hemostat (Instat) that was left on the decompressed nerve root. All discs were removed in the same way via unilateral flavectomy. The patients were asked to grade the pain intensity daily in the first 2 weeks and 1 year after surgery. Pain intensity was evaluated by the visual analog scale from 0 to 10, zero being no pain and 10 being the most severe pain. Statistically significant back pain relief was observed on postoperative days 1, 2, 6, and 14 in the study group (the group that received steroids). No difference between the two groups was found 1 year after surgery or when leg pain was compared. No side effects that could be related to the steroids were observed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)273-276
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques
Volume15
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2002
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Back pain
  • Disc herniaLeg pain
  • Epidural steroids
  • Methylprednisolone

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Clinical Neurology

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