Interlaminar epidural steroid injection for arm position sense in chronic cervical radiculopathy.
Investigation of the Effects of Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection on Upper Extremity Proprioception in Patients With Chronic Cervical Radiculopathy
We will test whether a single interlaminar epidural steroid injection can improve arm position sense in adults with chronic cervical radiculopathy from a cervical disc herniation.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Marmara University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pendik, Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07307846 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This prospective interventional study enrolls adults with unilateral chronic cervical radiculopathy due to cervical disc herniation and measures upper extremity proprioception before and after a unilateral interlaminar epidural steroid injection (ILESI). Proprioception will be quantified using the PRO-Reach joint position sense test across multiple directions, and clinical outcomes will include neuropathic pain scores, pain intensity, disability indices, hand-grip strength, and health-related quality of life. Participants will undergo baseline testing, receive a single ILESI, and be reassessed at defined follow-up intervals to track changes in proprioception and clinical metrics. The study is conducted at Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–65 with unilateral cervical radicular pain of at least three months' duration and MRI evidence of cervical disc herniation who can provide informed consent and have not had recent cervical injection or physical therapy are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with bilateral radicular pain, prior cervical spine surgery or major trauma, upper extremity entrapment neuropathies, documented recent B12 or vitamin D deficiency, recent cervical injections or physical therapy, or those outside the 18–65 age range are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve arm proprioception and related function, helping guide treatment and rehabilitation to reduce disability.
How similar studies have performed: Interlaminar epidural steroid injections have been shown to reduce pain and improve function in cervical radiculopathy, but their effect on upper extremity proprioception has not been previously examined.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Participants must meet all of the following: * Female or male, 18-65 years of age * Presence of unilateral cervical radicular pain lasting at least 3 months * MRI of the cervical spine within the last 12 months demonstrating at least one cervical disc herniation consistent with the patient's symptoms * Diagnosed with chronic cervical radiculopathy based on history, physical examination, and clinical evaluation * Ability to read and write (literacy) * Willingness to participate and ability to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Participants will be excluded for any of the following: * Cervical physical therapy or cervical spinal injection performed within the past 6 months * Symptoms or diagnosis of upper extremity entrapment neuropathy * Documented vitamin B12 deficiency or vitamin D deficiency on laboratory results within the past year * History of cervical spine surgery or significant cervical trauma * Bilateral cervical radicular pain * Cervical spinal stenosis * History of upper extremity surgery or significant upper extremity trauma * Cognitive impairment, major psychiatric disorder, intellectual disability, or history of significant neurological disease * Diagnosis of polyneuropathy * Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus * Diagnosis of fibromyalgia * Current use of medications that may impair proprioception or have sedative effects (e.g., gabapentinoids, antidepressants, muscle relaxants) * Active local or systemic infection * Coagulopathy or bleeding diathesis * Known allergy to any components of the planned injection (triamcinolone, lidocaine, saline, contrast medium) * Pregnancy * Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent * Illiteracy (unable to read or write) Withdrawal Criteria * Voluntary withdrawal of consent at any time * Inability or unwillingness to continue study participation for any reason * New medical condition or event after enrollment that renders continuation unsafe according to the investigator's judgment
Where this trial is running
Pendik, Istanbul
- Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital — Pendik, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Gökçenur Yalçın, M.D., PMR Specialist
- Email: gokce_cihaner@hotmail.com
- Phone: +90 216 625 45 45
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.