Erector spinae plane block versus interlaminar epidural steroid injection for lumbar disc herniation pain
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Lumbar Erector Spinae Plane Block and Lumbar Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation.
This study will test whether ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane blocks or fluoroscopy-guided interlaminar epidural steroid injections give better short-term pain and function relief for adults with L4-5 or L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation who haven't improved with conservative care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Diskapi Teaching and Research Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Trial ID | NCT07184554 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational follow-up of patients treated routinely at a single clinic with either ultrasound-guided lumbar erector spinae plane (LESP) block or fluoroscopy-guided lumbar interlaminar epidural steroid injection (LESI) for radicular pain from L4-5 or L5-S1 disc herniation. Baseline pain and function are recorded from patient files, and outcomes are measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after the procedure. Patients are not randomized or assigned to groups for the purposes of the study and receive the usual clinical care determined by their treating team. The study compares real-world effectiveness of the two commonly used interventional options in patients who failed conservative therapy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with MRI-confirmed L4-L5 or L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation causing radicular pain, with VAS >5 for at least six weeks and inadequate response to conservative treatments, who have not had prior lumbar surgery.
Not a fit: Patients with prior lumbar surgery, spinal deformity or stenosis, uncontrolled diabetes, active infection, coagulopathy, rheumatologic disease, psychiatric comorbidity, or drug allergies are not expected to benefit and are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could help clinicians choose the injection technique that provides faster or more durable pain relief and functional improvement, potentially reducing the need for surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Fluoroscopy-guided epidural steroid injections have an established but mixed short-term evidence base for radicular pain, while ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane blocks are a newer approach with limited comparative data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with chronic low back pain caused by L4-L5 and L5-S1 lumbar disc herniation accompanied by radicular pain, including those diagnosed by MRI, will be included. * Patients with low back pain above VAS 5 for more than 6 weeks will be included. * Failure of pain treatment with conservative methods such as analgesics and physical therapy Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who have previously undergone lumbar surgery, * Patients with spinal deformity and stenosis, * Patients with uncontrolled diabetes * Patients allergic to the drugs to be used will not be included in the study. * Presence of psychiatric comorbidity * Local or systemic infection * Coagulopathy * Presence of rheumatological disease
Where this trial is running
Ankara
- Etlik City Hospital — Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Emine Yuksel
- Email: eminecan_02@hotmail.com
- Phone: +905453489378
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.