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Research Paper | Orthopaedic Surgery | Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026 | Pages: 1099 - 1106 | India
Effect of Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection on Pain Relief and Functional Outcome in Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Prospective Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Backache with radiculopathy due to disc herniation has become a substantial rehabilitation and management challenge. In addition to mechanical compression, a growing body of evidence implicates inflammatory mediators released from herniated disc material in the generation of radicular pain. Transforaminal epidural steroid injection is gaining popularity as an alternative for managing disc-herniation-related pain, though its effectiveness remains debated. Aim: To assess the effect of TFESI on pain relief in lumbar disc herniation and to evaluate functional outcome using the Oswestry Disability Index. Methods: This was a facility-based prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care centre among patients with degeneration of the intervertebral disc leading to disc bulge/protrusion/extrusion, from December 2020 to June 2023. Patients with disc bulge/protrusion/extrusion on MRI compressing the lumbar thecal sac with nerve roots leading to radiculopathy without neurodeficit were included. All patients received a single TFESI under fluoroscopic guidance using the sub-pedicular approach, with 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide injected along with 1 mL of 1% lidocaine at the transforaminal site. Functional outcome was assessed by ODI pre-operatively, immediately post-operatively, and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: Thirty-five cases were enrolled and analysed (response rate 100%). The majority- 17 (48.57%)- were aged 31-45 years, with a mean age of 44.97 ± 10.10 years (range 33-65 years); 29 (82.86%) were male. Right-sided involvement was present in 21 (60%). On MRI, 20 (57.14%) had disc protrusion and 15 (42.86%) had extrusion, with the L4-L5 level most commonly affected in 20 (57.14%) cases. Among the 35 cases, the pre-operative ODI was 31-40% in 18 (51.43%) and 41-50% in 17 (48.57%). The mean ODI declined significantly from 40.6 ± 2.8 pre-operatively to 14.4 ± 7.6 immediately post-operatively, 13.6 ± 7.2 at 3 months, 11.9 ± 6.1 at 6 months, and 10.1 ± 0.8 at 12 months (p
Keywords: transforaminal epidural steroid injection, lumbar disc herniation, radiculopathy, Oswestry Disability Index, functional outcome
How to Cite?: Dr. Minish Katkar, Dr. Anant Gaikwad, Dr. Kartik Sawalkar, Dr. Ajay Chandanwale, Dr. Sayali Kengar, "Effect of Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection on Pain Relief and Functional Outcome in Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Prospective Observational Study", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1099-1106, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR24405014318, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR24405014318