Adhesiolysis and targeted steroid/local anesthetic injection during epiduroscopy alleviates pain and reduces sensory nerve dysfunction in patients with chronic sciatica.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adhesiolysis followed by the injection of steroid and local anesthetic during epiduroscopy on sensory nerve function, pain, and functional disability in patients with chronic sciatica. METHODS: Epidural adhesiolysis, using epiduroscopy, followed by the injection of steroid and local anesthetic, was scheduled in 19 patients with chronic sciatica refractory to lumbar epidural block. Sensory nerve function in the legs was tested with a series of 2000-Hz (Abeta-fiber), 250-Hz (Adelta-fiber), and 5-Hz (C-fiber) stimuli, using the current perception threshold (CPT), and CPT values and intensity of pain and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) scores were assessed before and 1 and 3 months after the epiduroscopy. RESULTS: At all frequencies, the CPT values in the affected legs of patients before the epiduroscopy were significantly higher than those in the unaffected legs. Epidural adhesiolysis was successfully performed in 16 of the 19 patients. In these patients, the CPT values at 2000 and 250 Hz, and the pain and RMDQ scores 1 and 3 months after the epiduroscopy were significantly lower than those before the epiduroscopy, while the CPT value at 5 Hz did change. CONCLUSION: Epidural adhesiolysis followed by the injection of steroid and local anesthetic during epiduroscopy alleviated pain, and functional disability, and reduced dysfunction of Abeta and Adelta fibers in patients with chronic sciatica.