Are epidural corticosteroid injections effective for lumbosacral radicular pain? A Cochrane Review summary with commentary.

BACKGROUND

Epidural corticosteroid injection is one of the most common non-surgical procedures for lumbosacral radicular pain.

OBJECTIVE

To assess efficacy and safety of epidural corticosteroid injections compared with placebo injections in patients with lumbosacral radicular pain.

METHODS

A summary and commentary of a Cochrane Review by Oliveira et al.

RESULTS

25 studies with a total of 2740 participants were included in the review. Moderate quality evidence pointed out a small effect on leg pain at immediate and short-term follow-up and on disability at short-term and intermediate follow-up. Adverse events were not different between corticosteroid and placebo injections.

CONCLUSIONS

Epidural corticosteroid injection is slightly more effective than placebo for leg pain and disability at short-term follow up. Clinicians and patients however should be informed of the small effect size of the treatment.