Outcomes of Epidural Neuroplasty to Treat Lumbar Discogenic Pain-One-Year Follow-Up

Background: Epidural neuroplasty have emerged as minimally invasive techniques for treatment of low back pain and lower extremity pain due to contained herniated discs when conservative management has failed. A few studies have examined their effects on functional activity and pain medication use. Outcomes of the procedure to treat the ailment were not analyzed over time.
Methods: The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcome of epidural neuroplasty in patients with chronic discogenic pain or sciatica due to nerve root compression by a single-level, contained herniated disc. Patients were assessed before and 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment by a blinded investigator. In our retrospective, non-randomized case series, 26 patients with therapy of epidural neuroplasty were included. Patients were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and were asked to quantify their pain using a visual analog scale. Patients were also surveyed in regards to their pain medication use, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was quantified by third-party observers. Data at 3, 6, and 12 months posttreatment were compared to baseline.
Results: There was a significant decrease in pain and medication use reported in first three months after the treatment. Functional status also improved at the first 3 months. There were no complications associated with the procedure.
Conclusion: Epidural neuroplasty appear to be safe and significantly effective in either early post-treatment periods. Randomized, controlled studies are now required to further evaluate long-term efficacy of the combination therapy.