Transforaminal pulsed radiofrequency and epidural steroid injection on chronic lumbar radiculopathy: A prospective observational study from a tertiary care hospital in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Lumbosacral radicular syndrome (LRS) is probably the most frequent neuropathic pain syndrome, exaggerating medical and economy burden on developing countries, such as Vietnam. As a result, the urgence to find an approach which is both affordable and effective always puts great demand on medical researchers.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the effectiveness of transforaminal pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) stimulation on the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and epidural steroid injection (ESI) in management of chronic lumbosacral radiculopathy.

METHODS: Seventy-six patients with chronic radicular pain were performed transforaminal PRF + ESI by neurosurgeons. Demographic characteristics and surgical outcomes were recorded on admission, pre-procedural and post-procedural for 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month follow-up. Primary outcome was measured by using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Straight Leg Raising Test (SLRT). Secondary outcome was subjectively collected based on short assessment of patients' satisfaction (SAPS).

RESULTS: Patients who received transforaminal PRF and ESI showed significant improvements on all three evaluation tools (VAS, ODI, SLRT), compared to that before treatment (p<0.001). Pain relief was achievable and long-lasting, which met patients' expectation. No significant complications were observed for 12 months follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Transforaminal PRF combined with ESI in management of lumbosacral radiculopathy should be a good method of choice for its effectiveness and safety in management of pain.