Study of Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection Effects on Arm Sensation and Function in Adults with Chronic Cervical Radiculopathy

What this Trial Is About

Cervical radiculopathy is a condition caused by irritation or compression of cervical nerve roots, often resulting in one-sided neuropathic pain and difficulty with arm movement. This study aims to evaluate how an interlaminar epidural steroid injection ILESI affects upper arm proprioception, or the sense of joint position, in patients with chronic cervical radiculopathy due to cervical disc herniation. The study also explores how changes in proprioception relate to symptoms like pain, disability, grip strength, and quality of life. Participants will receive a single standardized ILESI at the C7-T1 level using fluoroscopic guidance. The injection includes a mixture of corticosteroid, local anesthetic, and saline. Evaluations will be done at three times before the injection, three weeks after, and three months after. The study uses a validated joint position sense test called PRO-Reach to assess proprioception and measures other clinical outcomes such as neuropathic pain scores, pain intensity, disability, hand-grip strength, and quality of life. During the study, participants will undergo tests and questionnaires at each visit to assess their symptoms and function. Data will be collected by blinded assessors to reduce bias. The main outcome is the change in upper extremity proprioception error over time. Secondary outcomes include changes in neuropathic pain, pain intensity, disability, grip strength, and quality of life. The study will last for at least three months of follow-up, with careful monitoring of participants progress and safety.

Investigation of the Effects of Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection on Upper Extremity Proprioception in Patients With Chronic Cervical Radiculopathy