Turkish Neurosurgery 2017 , Vol 27 , Num 3
Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections in Postlaminectomy Patients: Comparison of Ultrasonography and Fluoroscopy
Taylan AKKAYA1,Derya OZKAN1,Hayri KERTMEN2,Zeki SEKERCI2
1Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain Clinic, Ankara, Turkey
2Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Ankara, Turkey
DOI : 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.16171-15.1 AIM: To compare the results of ultrasound and fluoroscopy guided caudal epidural steroid injections in postlaminectomy patients.

MATERIAL and METHODS: Thirty postlaminectomy patients were randomly divided into two groups, Group I (n=15) received ultrasound-guided and Group II (n=15) received fluoroscopy-guided caudal epidural local anesthetic and steroid injection. Time of block for each patient was recorded. The patients" visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and satisfaction with the therapy during the 3-month follow-up were evaluated.

RESULTS: The caudal block performed with both methods resulted in similar improvement in low back pain and functions. Time of block was shorter in Group I than in Group II (6.06 ±0.88 minutes versus 11.2±1.14 minutes).

CONCLUSION: Caudal epidural steroid injection is an effective analgesic method for postlaminectomy patients. Ultrasound-guided caudal block can be as effective as fluoroscopy-guided block and even more comfortable. Keywords : Caudal injection, Postlaminectomy pain, Steroid

Corresponding author : Derya OZKAN, derya_z@yahoo.com