Comparing steroid, acupuncture, and platelet-rich plasma for sciatica treatment
Comparing the Efficacy of Transforaminal Epidural Injections, Acupuncture and Platelet Rich Plasma Injection in Patients with Sciatica Due to Intervertebral Disc Herniation, Spinal Stenosis and Spondylolisthesis
This study is testing whether steroid injections, acupuncture, or platelet-rich plasma can help people with sciatica feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Taipei Medical University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei City) |
| Trial ID | NCT03801512 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the efficacy and safety of three different interventions for treating sciatica: steroid injections, acupuncture, and platelet-rich plasma injections. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups and will complete questionnaires regarding their demographics and medical history. The trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments in alleviating sciatica symptoms, with a focus on patient-reported outcomes. The study will be conducted at a single center, ensuring controlled conditions for comparison.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20 to 80 with diagnosed sciatica due to lumbar radiculopathy.
Not a fit: Patients with severe neurological symptoms or those who have had recent lumbar surgery may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with effective treatment options for sciatica, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown varying degrees of success with similar treatment approaches, but this specific comparison is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Female or male, 20 to 80 years of age. 2. Participants who had dermatome between L3 to S1, or participants whose straight leg raising test was positive, or participants had Meyerding Grade I to II spondylolisthesis or herniated intervertebral disc or spinal stenosis diagnosed by X-rays, Magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. 3. Participants whose sciatica symptom doesn't have occur time limit. 4. Participants who agreed to follow the trial protocol. 5. Participants who could complete the study treatment and assessments. 6. Participants who had steroid or pain control injection can participate the study after receiving injection more than 3 days. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Participants with severe progressive neurological symptoms (e.g. cauda equina compression). 2. Participants who had undergone surgery for lumbar disc herniation within 6 months. 3. Participants whose sciatica symptom wasn't caused by lumbar radiculopathy. 4. Participants with cardiovascular, liver, kidney, or hematopoietic system diseases, severe psychiatric or psychological disorder, or cancer. 5. Women who were pregnant. 6. Participants with a pacemaker, metal allergy, or severe fear of needles.
Where this trial is running
Taipei City
- Taipei Medical University Hospital — Taipei City, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Meng-Huang Wu, PhD
- Email: 141036@h.tmu.edu.tw
- Phone: 886 2 27372181
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.