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Complications Associated with Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections

Current Pain and Headache Reports volume 24, Article number: 67 (2020) Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Low back pain with radicular symptoms is a common cause of disability in the adult population in the USA. Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) is one of the most frequently used intervention for lumbar radiculitis. The purpose of this review is to evaluate complications associated with lumbar TFESI.

Recent Findings

Based on the literature review, the reported rate of minor complications was between 2.4 and 9.6%. The major complications including spinal abscess, spinal cord infarct, and epidural hematoma were documented as case reports. Some patients with spinal cord infarct had permanent neurologic deficits, while the other patients had recovery of neurological function after surgical or medical intervention.

Summary

This review identifies both the minor and major complications related to lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections. According to this review, most complications are minor. Lumbar TFESI can be considered a safe treatment in the management of lumbar radicular pain. However, pain specialists should be aware of the potentially devastating major complications. Early recognition and treatment of complications are crucial for improving the outcome.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jefferson Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 3 Crescent Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19112, USA

    Andrew Chang & Andrew T. Ng

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  1. Andrew Chang
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  2. Andrew T. Ng
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Correspondence to Andrew T. Ng.

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Andrew Ng and Andrew Chang declare no conflict of interest.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Anesthetic Techniques in Pain Management

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Chang, A., Ng, A.T. Complications Associated with Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections. Curr Pain Headache Rep 24, 67 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-020-00900-9

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