Transforaminal epidural steroid injection in lumbar spinal stenosis: an observational study with two-year follow-up

AbstractBackground context: Transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) is recognised as a treatment for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation, whilst surgical decompression is generally thought to be the most effective treatment option for lumbar spinal stenosis. There is little available literature examining the effect of TFESI on symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis.Purpose: To evaluate the use of TFESI as an alternative to surgery in patients with symptomatic stenosis.Study design/setting: An observational study which took place between May 2010 and July 2013. All patients were seen by the Extended Scope Physiotherapist (ESP) injection service.Patient sample: A total of 68 consecutive patients were included. Thirty-one were male and 37 were female. The average age was 75 years.Outcome measures: The primary outcome measure was the avoidance of decompressive surgery.Methods: Patients with radicular leg pain were seen by an ESP in an Outpatient setting. Concordant clinical examination and magnetic reson...