Straight Leg Raise Test: Does it correctly identify nerve root issues?

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study evaluates the diagnostic performance of the straight leg raise test in adults with suspected lumbosacral radicular pain. The reference standard consists of diagnostic transforaminal epidural steroid injections or selective nerve root blocks performed without sedation and with low-dose local anesthetic. The study will calculate sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and the area under the ROC curve to determine how well the test identifies nerve root involvement. Data will be collected from participants scheduled for targeted injections at the L4, L5, or S1 levels, and analyses will focus on the test's reliability in guiding further diagnostic confirmation. Inclusion criteria require adults 18-65 with a preliminary radicular diagnosis and imaging support, while several safety and record-keeping exclusions apply.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 65 years.
* Preliminary diagnosis of lumbar radicular pain based on medical history, physical examination, and lumbar magnetic resonance imaging.
* Patients scheduled to undergo transforaminal epidural injection targeting the L4, L5, or S1 nerve root.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to access clinical or procedural records in the hospital system.
* Absence of available radiological records related to the target level, if required.
* Inability to provide reliable NRS or straight leg raise test assessment due to cognitive impairment or language barrier.
* Coagulopathy, defined as INR \> 1.5 or platelet count \< 80,000/mm³, or inability to discontinue anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy when required.
* Local or systemic infection, or skin lesion at the planned injection site.
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
* Known severe hypersensitivity to iodinated contrast material or local anesthetics.
* Progressive neurological deficit or cauda equina syndrome.
* Bilateral or nearly bilateral pain with both sides being prominent and equivalent, or need for therapeutic injection at more than one level during the same session.
* Epidural injection with local anesthetic and/or steroid at the same level within the last 6 weeks.
* Active polyneuropathy or other diffuse neuropathies.
* Active radicular pain originating from nerve roots other than L4, L5, or S1.
* Requirement for mandatory sedation.

Where it's running

• Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Pendik Training and Research Hospital, Algology Department Recruiting
  Istanbul, Pendi̇k, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mi̇kdat Can Karabiyik — Marmara University Faculty of Medicine ,Marmara University, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Study coordinator: Mi̇kdat Can Karabi̇yi̇k
• Email: mikdatkarabiyik@gmail.com
• Phone: +90 537 91 92 156

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.