Racz Catheter Technique Versus Conventional Technique in Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection for Management of Low Back Pain

Racz Catheter Technique Versus Conventional Technique in Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection for Management of Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study is to compare Racz catheter technique and conventional technique in lumbar epidural steroid injection for the management of low back pain.

Low back pain (LBP) is defined as a localized discomfort sensation below the costal margin and above the inferior gluteal folds, with or without leg pain. Conservative treatment for LBP is focused on delaying or preventing the need for surgery. Indeed, LBP can improve spontaneously or with non-surgical treatment. However, cases that fail to improve with conservative management may need to be considered for a surgical approach.

The epidural injection is a well-founded anesthetic and analgesic technique; moreover, nowadays, new technological devices can help anesthesiologists to learn and to administer it. One of these devices is Racz catheter epidural adhesiolysis. Racz catheter epidural adhesiolysis treatment addresses two issues, the injectate always reaches the area being targeted also the injections are likely to loosen fibrotic adhesions which may be the main cause of the pain in some cases.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age from 18 to 65 years.
• Both sexes.
• Patients suffering from persistent lumbar pain, grade 1 spondylolisthesis, facet osteoarthropathy, and small disc on radiological findings.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Uncooperative patients.
• Contraindications to perform the proper technique e.g., coagulopathy and skin infection.
• History of allergy to contrast medium.
• Rupture disc.
• Lumbar canal stenosis.
• Previously operated traditional spine surgeries.