Fluoroscopic cervical paramidline interlaminar epidural steroid injections for cervical radiculopathy: effectiveness and outcome predictors.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of fluoroscopic cervical paramidline interlaminar epidural steroid injection (ESI) as well as to assess outcome predictors.


METHODS
One hundred forty-three patients (M:F = 89:54, mean age = 53.1 years old) who received cervical paramidline interlaminar ESIs in 2011 were included in this study. Initial improvements at 2 weeks were assessed. For possible outcome predictors, clinical and MR variables were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests.


RESULTS
Initial improvements after cervical paramidline interlaminar ESIs at 2 weeks were reported in 115 of 143 patients (80.8%). Patients with paresthesia only and no pain showed significantly fewer improvements after ESIs (11/19, 57.9%) than patients with pain (104/124, 83.9%) (p = 0.013). Other variables were not statistically significant outcome predictors.


CONCLUSIONS
Fluoroscopic paramidline interlaminar cervical ESIs effectively managed cervical radiculopathy, irrespective of the cause or zone of nerve root compression, and patients with paresthesia only experienced fewer improvements.
Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 300 Gumidong, Bundag-Gu, Seong Nam, Gyeonggi-Do, 463-707, South Korea.
Joon Woo
JW
Lee
Su Yeon
SY
Hwang
Guen Young
GY
Lee
Eugene
E
Lee
Heung Sik
HS
Kang
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D066193:Cervical Cord / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007268:Injections, Epidural / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015641:Radiography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D013256:Steroids