[CT-guided steroid injection into disc herniation: a causative therapy for lower back pain due to disc herniation].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the therapeutic benefit of CT-guided steroid injection into disc herniations.


METHODS
In 64 patients, 2.5 mg Dexamethasone was injected into a symptomatic disc herniation under CT-guidance. Conservative treatment 3 to 12 months before injection was unsuccessful. Classified as "complete relief", "strong relief", "mild relief" and "no relief" of pain, the change of discomfort and pain was registered at 14 days, 3 months and 6 months after injection while the conservative regimen continued.


RESULTS
At 14 days after injection, 36 patients (56 %) showed complete relief, 5 strong relief (8 %), 12 mild relief (19 %) and 11 no relief (17 %). At 6 months after injection, 25 patients showed complete relief (39 %), 16 strong relief (25 %), and 23 no relief (36 %). One complicating spondylodiscitis was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
CT-guided steroid injection into symptomatic disc herniation represents a therapeutic alternative with good therapeutic results. It can be recommended as an alterative to other minimal invasive therapeutic regimens. The disc material acts as reservoir for the drug with good long term depot effect.
Vahlensieck
M
M
Radiologie Haydnhaus, Bonn. m.vahlensieck@uni-bonn.de
Bruderhofer
A F
AF
Waldecker
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone