Abstract No. : ABS0638: Comparison of transforaminal epidural injection vs trigger point injection for low back pain.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection(TFESI) is a frequently used intervention for lumbar radiculitis but is associated with complications. Trigger-point therapy isa useful adjunct in the treatment of low-back pain. This study compared the efficacy and safety of transforaminal injection with trigger point injections(TPI) for chronic back pain. METHODS: Clinical data of 1000 patients with back pain were searched retrospectively. All patients received conservative modalities of treatment which continued for a month Patients who did not respond to conservative were given interventional treatment. Data of 90 patients who were given TFESI [group E] and 90 patients who were given TPI[group T] were analysed and followed up to 6 months. Visual analogue scale(VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) score were evaluated beforeprocedure and at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. VAS and ODI for all time intervals were analysed with student’s t-test. Proportions of complications between two groups were compared. RESULTS: The VAS score in group E at one month(33±13.16),three months(25±16) and six months (16.14±16) was less than that the scores in group T at one month(40.6±14.16), three month(33±18) and six month(26±22)(figure 1). The difference of VAS and ODI between group E and T was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: TFESI is more effective than TPI. .However TPI can be added as a step-up procedure between conservative management and TFESI, in patients with low back pain.