Comparing Ultrasound and Fluoroscopy Guidance for Lumbar Nerve Root Injections to Treat Lower Back Nerve Pain in Adults Aged 18 to 75

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying adults aged 18 to 75 with lumbosacral radiculopathy, a condition causing lower back and leg pain due to irritated spinal nerves. The trial compares ultrasound-guided nerve root injections to the traditional fluoroscopy-guided injections to see if ultrasound can reduce pain and improve daily function as effectively while avoiding radiation exposure. This randomized study aims to assess pain relief, functional recovery, safety, and procedure speed. Participants receive one lumbar nerve root injection containing a steroid and numbing medicine. One group has the injection guided by ultrasound, which uses sound waves to visualize nerves and soft tissues without radiation. The other group receives the injection guided by fluoroscopy, an X-ray technique using contrast dye to confirm needle placement. After the injection, patients rest for 30 to 60 minutes under observation, then follow up at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. During the study, participants complete surveys about pain levels and daily activities. Researchers monitor safety for any complications during and after the procedure. The main outcome is the change in pain measured by a visual scale from baseline to 3 months. Additional measurements include short-term pain scores, disability index, procedure times, patient satisfaction, medication use, and any side effects. The total participation lasts about 3 months with several follow-up visits for evaluation.

US vs FL-Guided Lumbar Nerve Root Injections