Efficacy of epidural steroid injections and evaluation of surgical and anesthetic approaches in far-lateral disc herniations.

Aim: To observe the long-term effect of epidural steroid injections (ESI) and describe surgical outcomes in patients with far-lateral lumbar disc herniations. Materials & methods: The medical records of 30 patients who underwent surgery for far-lateral lumbar disc herniations were reviewed.

Results

ESI outcomes: pain scores decreased significantly after ESI (p = 0.004). The surgery was delayed for 13.78 ± 8.59 months in patients who received ESI. Surgical outcomes: the improvement in the leg pain was considerably more significant than the back pain (p < 0.001). While motor deficit improved substantially (p < 0.001), there was persistent sensory dysesthesia.

Conclusion

ESI does not prevent but may delay the surgery up to 28 months. Although postoperative pain scores were significantly decreased, there was persistent back pain and sensory paresthesia.