Actively Recruiting
Investigation of the Effects of Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection on Upper Extremity Proprioception in Patients With Chronic Cervical Radiculopathy
Led by Marmara University · Updated on 2026-01-02
46
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Investigation of the Effects of Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection on Upper Extremity Proprioception in Patients With Chronic Cervical Radiculopathy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Female or male aged 18 to 65 years
- Unilateral cervical radicular pain lasting at least 3 months
- MRI showing cervical disc herniation matching symptoms within the last 12 months
- Diagnosed with chronic cervical radiculopathy by clinical evaluation
- Ability to read and write
- Willingness and ability to provide written informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Cervical physical therapy or spinal injection within the past 6 months
- Symptoms or diagnosis of upper extremity entrapment neuropathy
- Vitamin B12 or vitamin D deficiency documented in past year
- History of cervical spine surgery or significant cervical trauma
- Bilateral cervical radicular pain
- Cervical spinal stenosis
- History of upper extremity surgery or significant trauma
- Cognitive impairment, major psychiatric disorder, intellectual disability, or significant neurological disease
- Diagnosis of polyneuropathy
- Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus
- Diagnosis of fibromyalgia
- Current use of medications that may impair proprioception or have sedative effects
- Active local or systemic infection
- Coagulopathy or bleeding disorder
- Known allergy to injection components (triamcinolone, lidocaine, saline, contrast)
- Pregnancy
- Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent
- Illiteracy (unable to read or write)
AI-Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single day procedure with approximately 2 hours observation post-injection
Participants undergo a standardized unilateral interlaminar epidural steroid injection at the C7-T1 level under fluoroscopic guidance.
1 treatment visit (in-person)
Duration - 3 months
Participants are evaluated for changes in proprioception, pain, neuropathic symptoms, disability, grip strength, and quality of life at 3 weeks and 3 months after the injection.
2 follow-up visits at 3 weeks and 3 months post-treatment (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital
Pendik, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye), 34890
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
G
Gökçenur Yalçın, M.D., PMR Specialist
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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