Using epidural steroids during surgery for lumbar disc herniation

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 study aims to develop a grading system for inflammation in patients undergoing discectomy for lumbar disc herniation and to evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative epidural steroid administration. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either dexamethasone or saline during surgery. Intraoperative images of the spinal cord and nerve roots will be analyzed postoperatively to assign an inflammation grade. The study will assess whether higher inflammation grades correlate with better outcomes from steroid administration compared to lower grades.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Presenting to the University of Missouri hospital system - including the University of Missouri Hospital and Missouri Orthopaedic Institute - with a clinical assessment indicative of a lumbar disc herniation
* Failed conservative treatment - rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy
* Radiculopathy present - positive tension signs or sensory/motor neurologic deficits present
* Recent MRI confirming single-level lumbar disc herniation corresponding to clinical evaluation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Concomitant spinal stenosis, segmental instability, or spondylolisthesis
* Previous surgery at the affected level or recurrent herniation
* Underlying disease that may affect response to steroids - immunocompromise, use of chronic steroids or immunosuppression
* Pregnancy - qualitative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) testing will be performed prior to enrollment
* Diagnosis of or symptoms concerning for cauda equina syndrome

Where it's running

• Missouri Orthopaedic Institute
  Columbia, Missouri, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Don Kim Moore, MD — Missouri Orthopaedic Institute
• Study coordinator: Vickci Jones, MEd, CCRP
• Email: jonesvicki@health.missouri.edi
• Phone: (573) 882-7583

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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.