Subjective Intraoperative Use of Epidural Steroid Administration Following Discectomy

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA · Nov 29, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at the use of epidural steroids during surgery for patients with lumbar disc herniation, which is when a disc in the lower back becomes damaged and causes pain. The goal is to create a system to measure inflammation related to this condition and to find out which patients may benefit the most from receiving these steroids during their surgery. This study is currently recruiting participants aged 65 to 74 who have not found relief from other treatments, such as rest, medication, or physical therapy, and who have specific symptoms confirmed by an MRI.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be experiencing significant pain and neurological symptoms due to a confirmed single-level lumbar disc herniation. However, people with certain conditions, like spinal stenosis or those who have had previous surgeries on the affected area, won't be able to participate. If you join the study, you can expect to receive careful monitoring and support throughout the process. This trial is important because it aims to improve treatment options for people suffering from lumbar disc herniation by understanding how steroids can help during surgery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Presenting to the University of Missouri hospital system - including the University of Missouri Hospital and Missouri Orthopaedic Institute - with a clinical assessment indicative of a lumbar disc herniation
• • Failed conservative treatment - rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy
• • Radiculopathy present - positive tension signs or sensory/motor neurologic deficits present
• • Recent MRI confirming single-level lumbar disc herniation corresponding to clinical evaluation
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Concomitant spinal stenosis, segmental instability, or spondylolisthesis
• • Previous surgery at the affected level or recurrent herniation
• • Underlying disease that may affect response to steroids - immunocompromise, use of chronic steroids or immunosuppression
• • Pregnancy - qualitative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) testing will be performed prior to enrollment
• • Diagnosis of or symptoms concerning for cauda equina syndrome