Particulate vs. Nonparticulate Epidural Steroid Injections for Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis

Chronic lumbosacral radiculopathy secondary to lumbar spinal stenosis affects a large number of individuals, and there is a general lack of consensus in the medical community in terms of effective treatments for this problem. By assessing the relative efficacy of transforaminal epidural injections of particulate and nonparticulate steroids, this study attempts to further define the appropriate conservative management of painful unilateral radiculopathies due to unilateral lumbar foraminal stenosis. Patients will be randomized to receive a transforaminal epidural injection of either a particulate (Kenalog) or nonparticulate (Decadron) steroid. Outcomes will be assessed at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months following the injection.