Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections in Postlaminectomy Patients: Comparison of Ultrasonography and Fluoroscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the results of ultrasound and fluoroscopy guided caudal epidural steroid injections in postlaminectomy patients.


METHODS
Thirty postlaminectomy patients were randomly divided into two groups, Group I (n=15) received ultrasound-guided and Group II (n=15) received fluoroscopy-guided caudal epidural local anesthetic and steroid injection. Time of block for each patient was recorded. The patients" visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and satisfaction with the therapy during the 3-month follow-up were evaluated.


RESULTS
The caudal block performed with both methods resulted in similar improvement in low back pain and functions. Time of block was shorter in Group I than in Group II (6.06 ±0.88 minutes versus 11.2±1.14 minutes).


CONCLUSIONS
Caudal epidural steroid injection is an effective analgesic method for postlaminectomy patients. Ultrasound-guided caudal block can be as effective as fluoroscopy-guided block and even more comfortable.
Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain Clinic, Ankara, Turkey.
Taylan
T
Akkaya
Derya
D
Ozkan
Hayri
H
Kertmen
Zeki
Z
Sekerci
D000328:Adult; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000379:methods*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007268:Injections, Epidural / Q000379:methods; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000379:methods; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D013256:Steroids