Related Articles Sciatica: treatment with intradiscal and intraforaminal injections of steroid and oxygen-ozone versus steroid only

PURPOSE: To prospectively compare the clinical effectiveness of intraforaminal
and intradiscal injections of a mixture of a steroid, a local anesthetic, and
oxygen-ozone (O(2)-O(3)) (chemodiscolysis) versus intraforaminal and intradiscal
injections of a steroid and an anesthetic in the management of radicular pain
related to acute lumbar disk herniation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical Ethical Committee approval and informed consent
were obtained. One hundred fifty-nine patients (86 men, 73 women; age range,
18-71 years) were included and were randomly assigned to two groups.
Seventy-seven patients (group A) underwent intradiscal and intraforaminal
injections of a steroid and an anesthetic, and 82 patients (group B) underwent
the same treatment with the addition of an O(2)-O(3) mixture. Procedures were
performed with computed tomographic guidance. An Oswestry Low Back Pain
Disability Questionnaire was administered before treatment and at intervals, the
last at 6-month follow-up. Patients and clinicians were blinded as to which
treatment was performed. Results were compared with the chi(2) test.
RESULTS: After 6 months, treatment was successful in 36 (47%) patients in group A
and in 61 (74%) patients in group B. The difference was significant (P < .01).
CONCLUSION: Intraforaminal and intradiscal injections of a steroid, an
anesthetic, and O(2)-O(3) are more effective at 6 months than injections of only
a steroid and an anesthetic in the same sites.