Transforaminal epidural steroid injection combined with radio frequency for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation: a 2-year follow-up

Abstract

Abstract Background To assess the therapeutic efficacy of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) combined with radio frequency (RF) for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods A total of 230 patients participated in the study: TFESI (Group T, n = 110), TFESI combined with RF (Group TR, n = 120). Visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Global perceived effect (GPE) scale were measured pre-operation, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after the operation. Hospitalization time, treatment time, complications, and recurrence were compared between the two groups. Results The VAS and ODI at each observation point of the post-operation were significantly decreased compared with the pre-operation in both groups (P 0.05). However, The VAS and ODI scores in Group TR were significantly lower than that in Group T at 6, 12 and 24 months of the post-operation (P 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest that TFESI combined with RF could effectively improve the pain and function, and had a long-term satisfactory effect for the treatment of LDH.

Keywords

• Transforaminal epidural steroid injection
• Radio frequency
• Lumbar disc herniation