Preoperative Corticosteroid Epidural Injection and Lumbar Decompression Surgery Outcomes

This randomized control trial will compare opioid use, pain, and functional outcomes following decompression surgery for single-level lumbar radiculopathy in patients who undergo placement of corticosteroid epidural injection within 2 weeks prior to surgery compared to those who do not. The hypothesis of this study is that patients who receive the preoperative corticosteroid injection will have less reduced postoperative opioid use, as well as earlier mobilization, reduced length of stay, and faster return to work compared to control patients who do not receive the injection.