Epidural Steroid Following Discectomy for Herniated Disc Reduces Morbidity

Epidural Steroid Following Discectomy for Herniated Lumbar Disc Reduces Neurological Impairment and Enhances Recovery. A Randomized Study With Two-year Follow-up

Focus of this study is evaluation of the outcome, neurologic impairment and safety of epidural steroide following lumbar discectomy for herniated disc disease.

Methylprednisolone might enhance recovery after discectomy for herniated disc disease without apparent side effect.

Convalescence after discectomy for herniated disc disease is dependent on pain and the inflammatory response. In arthroscopic and abdominal surgery steroids reduce the inflammatory response and enhance recovery.

200 patients with herniated disc disease are randomly allocated to receive epidural methylprednisolone 40 mg or none.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with primary lumbar herniated disc disease who had received and performed standardized conservative treatment program with intensive exercises
• Patients more than 18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with central or lateral spinal stenosis due to spondylosis or disc degeneration who needed bilateral decompression, laminectomy or fusion
• Patients with cauda equina syndrome who needed acute operative treatment
• Lack of informed consent and inability to read and understand Danish