Ultrasound-guided vs fluoroscopy-guided lumbar nerve injections for leg/back pain

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 randomized clinical trial compares ultrasound-guided selective lumbar nerve root injections to fluoroscopy-guided injections in adults with lumbosacral radiculopathy. Participants are assigned 1:1 to receive a targeted nerve injection of a steroid and numbing medicine using either ultrasound or fluoroscopy. The study aims to see if ultrasound provides similar pain relief at 3 months, supports better recovery in daily activities, and offers comparable speed and safety to fluoroscopy while eliminating radiation exposure. It is conducted at Tanta University Hospitals and uses MRI-confirmed nerve compression with prior conservative treatment failure. Primary outcomes focus on pain relief, functional improvement, and safety profiles of the two guidance methods.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 to 75 years.
* Clinical diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy characterized by radicular pain, paresthesia, or weakness in a dermatomal distribution.
* Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-confirmed nerve root compression due to disc herniation or foraminal stenosis.
* Failure to respond to at least 3 months of conservative medical treatment.
* Radiculopathy affecting the L4, L5, or combined L5-S1 levels (where the primary symptomatic level can be reliably targeted)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Isolated S1 radiculopathy.
* Significant spinal deformities, including scoliosis \>20° or spondylolisthesis \>Grade II.
* History of prior lumbar spine surgery.
* Bleeding disorders (International Normalized Ratio \[INR\] \>2.5).
* Severe uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (HbA1c \>8%).
* Advanced cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease.
* Active systemic infection or localized infection at the injection site.
* Known allergies to corticosteroids or local anesthetics.
* Presence of progressive neurological deficits or cauda equina syndrome.
* Peripheral neuropathies mimicking radiculopathy.
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
* Severe psychiatric illness or cognitive impairment affecting study compliance.

Where it's running

• Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University.
  Tanta, Gharbia Governorate, Egypt Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Ahmed S Alkotami, MD
• Email: ahmed.sami@med.tanta.edu.eg
• Phone: +201008928948

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• TFESI for neuropathic pain in lumbosacral radiculopathy

  This study tests whether a transforaminal epidural steroid injection relieves neuropathic pain in adults with lumbosacral radiculopathy.

  Recruiting Marmara University · Istanbul, Istanbul · NCT07799155

• Three CT Signs of Nerve-Root Suffering in Low-Back Sciatica: How Often They Occur in Patients Referred for CT-Guided Nerve-Root Infiltration

  This study tests whether three specific CT signs align with the nerve root causing symptoms in adults with low-back sciatica who are scheduled for CT-guided nerve-root infiltration.

  Recruiting Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice · Nice, Alpes Maritimes · NCT07690449

• How the way doctors explain epidural steroid injections affects sciatica pain outcomes

  This trial will test whether explaining epidural steroid injections more positively or more neutrally changes pain for adults with lumbosacral radiculopathy who are candidates for injections.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Northwestern University · Chicago, Illinois and 3 other locations · NCT07498140

• Safety of a single transforaminal C-1101 injection versus saline for chronic sciatica

  This will test whether a single transforaminal epidural injection of C-1101 is safe and well tolerated compared with sterile saline in adults with chronic sciatica who have not improved with conservative care.

  Recruiting at 5 sites Phase 1 Consano Bio · Fernandina Beach, Florida and 5 other locations · NCT07264270

• Move-MORE: Online mindfulness, gentle movement, and motivational coaching for lumbosacral radiculopathy

  This project tests whether an online program of mindfulness, gentle movement, and motivational interviewing can help adults with chronic lumbosacral radiculopathy (sciatica) reduce pain, improve function, and increase daily activity.

  Recruiting National University of Natural Medicine · Portland, Oregon · NCT07125027

• VER-01 for chronic painful lumbosacral radiculopathy

  This phase 3 trial tests VER-01 against placebo to see if it can reduce pain in adults with chronic painful lumbosacral radiculopathy who have not found sufficient relief with non-opioid medications.

  Recruiting at 32 sites Phase 3 Vertanical GmbH · Mobile, Alabama and 31 other locations · NCT06956014

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.