Transforaminal epidural injection
nerve injury, pain
STERILE, COLD, QUINCKE
All treatments were performed by a single, experienced orthopedic surgeon. Patients were placed in the prone position. Using a sterile technique, epidural injections were performed under a C-arm fluoroscopy (Phillps, USA). Briefly, the transforaminal approach through Kambin’s triangle was used to minimize risk of nerve injury. The position of the needle (Quincke Chiba Needle, 22-gauge: 8 inch), was guided and confirmed under anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopic views. Once the needle-end was located and checked by contrast media, either 2 mL of PRP followed by NSS 0.5 ml, or total of 2ml of 1% lidocaine with 40 mg triamcinolone was injected. The syringe was covered with a large sterile strip to mask the substance. The patient was observed for 30 min after the procedure to monitor for any undesirable reaction. All patients were asked to avoid strenuous activities in the ensuing 3 days. Cold compression and paracetamol were provided for pain relief.
Consort diagram