EFFICACY OF INTERLAMINAR EPIDURAL INJECTION OF ROPIVAICAINE WITH OR WITHOUT STEROID FOR LOW BACK PAIN DUE TO LUMBAR CANAL STENOSIS: A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE BLIND STUDY

Abstract

Background: Lumbar canal stenosis (LCS) is a common cause of chronic low back pain and disability. Interlaminar epidural injections of local anaesthetics are widely used for symptomatic management; however, the added benefit of corticosteroids remains controversial. Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of interlaminar epidural injection using Ropivacaine with and without corticosteroid in patients with lumbar canal stenosis. Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted on 90 patients diagnosed with lumbar canal stenosis. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups (n=45 each): Group T received ropivacaine (0.2%) with triamcinolone (40 mg), and Group N received ropivacaine (0.2%) with normal saline. Pain intensity (VAS), functional status (Revised Oswestry Disability Index), and walking distance were assessed at baseline, immediately after the procedure, and at 1 day, 15 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Secondary outcomes included percentage reduction in VAS, requirement of repeat injections, need for surgery, and incidence of adverse events. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in pain and functional outcomes. The non-steroid group showed better short-term pain relief at 1 month (p=0.034), while the steroid group demonstrated significantly better pain relief at 3 and 6 months (p<0.001 and p=0.047). ODI scores were significantly lower in the non-steroid group at 3 and 6 months (p=0.031