What is the efficacy of lumbar caudal epidural steroid injections (ESIs)?
Efficacy of Lumber Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs) - According to a study conducted by Barre and colleagues in patients of spinal stenosis, improvement was seen in 50% of the patients. However, in long term follow-ups the success rate was 35%. - According to another study conducted by Anwar and colleagues, improvement was observed in 3 months in 65% of the patients. - According to a recent systemic review of 5 nonrandomized and 11 randomized trials, the results of caudal injections are as follows. Good – with local anesthetics and steroids for chronic pain secondary to radiculitis and disk herniation Fair – with local anesthetics for chronic pain secondary to radiculitis aand disk herniation Fair – postsurgery syndrome, spinal stenosis, and chronic axial pain