Anterior Epidural Irrigation in a Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Patient / 대한통증학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pain due to spinal stenosis is one of the major causes of low back pain, and it sometimes does not respond to conservative treatment. We postulated that anterior epidural irrigation could be a good choice for treating lumbar spinal stenosis patients. However, the effects and theoretical basis of anterior epidural irrigation have not been investigated for spinal stenosis. So, this study was designed to identify the clinical efficacy of anterior epidural irrigation for treating lumbar spinal stenosis. METHODS: 71 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis underwent anterior epidural irrigation. Anterior epidural irrigation was performed with normal saline and a mixture of local anesthetic with steroid through a catheter under fluoroscopic guidance. The findings were evaluated with using visual analogue scales for low back pain and leg symptoms. RESULTS: Relief from low back pain and leg pain was observed for up to 12 months after anterior epidural irrigation. None of the patients showed any deterioration of their motor or sensory deficits during follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior epidural irrigation is effective for the relief of back and leg pain in spinal stenosis patients.