Therapeutic Effect of Epidural Steroid Injection in Patients Suspected of having an Internal Disc Disruption: A Prospective Case Study.
10.3348/jkrs.2007.57.3.281
- Author:
Na Ra KIM
1
;
Joon Woo LEE
;
Sang Ki CHUNG
;
Ki Jeong KIM
;
Hyun Jib KIM
;
Yeo Ju KIM
;
Seung Hoon LEE
;
Sung Hwan HONG
;
Ja Young CHOI
;
Heung Sik KANG
Author Information
1. Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Korea. drchoi01@radiol.snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Spine, intervertebral disk;
Radiology, interventional;
Steroids, drug therapy
- MeSH:
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging;
Patient Satisfaction;
Prospective Studies*;
Radiology, Interventional;
Recurrence;
Treatment Outcome
- From:Journal of the Korean Radiological Society
2007;57(3):281-286
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To assess the effect of the epidural steroid injection for patients suspected of having an internal disc disruption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients at the pain intervention clinic that received a lumbar interlaminar epidural steroid injection and were suspected of having an internal disc disruption were prospectively enrolled in this study. The treatment outcome was assessed using a 5-point patient satisfaction scale (no pain, much improved, slightly improved, no effect, aggravated) two weeks after injection. A successful outcome required a patient satisfaction scale of "much improved" or "no pain". All patients received follow-up for two months. Two radiologists evaluated the presence of HIZ (high intensity zone), a dark disc by MR (n = 10) and a diffuse bulging disc by CT (n = 3). RESULTS: Nine (69%) of the 13 patients achieved a successful outcome two weeks after injection. These nine patients showed no recurrence during the two months months follow-up. Of the 22 abnormal discs demonstrated by MRI and CT, MRI showed a dark disc in six patients and HIZ in 13 patients. CT showed diffuse bulging in three discs. Nine of 10 patients showed at least one HIZ. CONCLUSION: An lumbar interlaminar epidural steroid injection might be an effective tool for managing patients suspected of having an internal disc disruption.
