The effect of spinopelvic parameters on transforaminal epidural steroid injection treatment success in lumbar disc herniation

Background Spinopelvic parameters (SPP) is closely associated with diseases such as lumbar disc herniation (LDH), disc degeneration and spondylolisthesis. Although there exist many known clinical and radiological factors affecting the success of the transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) treatment, the effect of SPP has not yet been investigated. This study aims to examine the effects of SPP on treatment success in patients who undergo TFESI because of lumbar disc herniation and to investigate the correlation among multifidus cross-sectional area (MFCSA). Methods This was a prospective, observational study. Patients with low back and/or leg pain, unilateral nerve root compression were applied TFESI. Outcome measures included the numerical rating scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The patients were evaluated at the first hour, third week and third month. The SPP and MFCSA measurements were made on direct radiographs and MRIs. Results A total of 58 patients, 24 women and 34 men, with an average age of 42.0 +/- 9.5 were included. NRS, ODI and BDI scores improved significantly up to three months follow-up (P < .001). Moderately positive correlations were found between leg NRS and PT/PI scores immediately after treatment (r: 0.307 and r: 0.334) and a weak positive correlation was found between BDI and PT at third week (r: 0.269). The MFCSA/vertebral sectional area (VSA) and MFCSA/total multifidus cross-sectional area (TMFCSA) of the affected side was found to be significantly low (P < .001). Conclusions Subjects with high PI and PT reported less improvement in leg pain immediately after treatment and patients with high PT had fewer BDI improvements. MFCSA had no correlations with SPPs in patients who underwent TFESI.