UNASSIGNED: This was a prospective randomized single-blind study. A total of 59 participants were included in this study. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were obtained. A comfort questionnaire was administered to all participants. The total fluoroscopy time and contrast distribution levels were recorded.
UNASSIGNED: Pre- and post-treatment VAS scores were similar between the groups. The ODI scores increased in favor of the PS group at week 2 (P < 0.041); however, there was no difference between the two groups at other times. The VAS and ODI scores improved significantly with treatment in both the groups (P < 0.001). Total fluoroscopy time was shorter in the PS group (P < 0.001). PS application was more comfortable (P < 0.001). While no complications were observed in the PS group, three complications occurred in the TF group. Anterior epidural contrast spread to three or more levels was observed in 57% of the participants in the PS group, whereas no spread to more than two levels was observed in the TF group.
UNASSIGNED: The PS epidural approach is superior to the TF approach in terms of a low incidence of side effects, less radiation exposure, better patient comfort, higher epidural contrast spread, and single-level needle access.
■这是一项前瞻性随机单盲研究。共有59名参与者参加了这项研究。获得视觉模拟量表(VAS)和Oswestry残疾指数(ODI)。对所有参与者进行了舒适问卷。记录总透视时间和造影剂分布水平。
■两组间治疗前和治疗后VAS评分相似。ODI评分在第2周增加,有利于PS组(P<0.041);然而,两组在其他时间没有差异.两组患者治疗后VAS和ODI评分均有显著改善(P<0.001)。PS组透视总时间较短(P<0.001)。PS应用更舒适(P<0.001)。PS组未出现并发症,TF组出现3种并发症。在PS组中57%的参与者中观察到硬膜外前造影剂扩散到三个或更多个水平,而在TF组中没有观察到超过两个水平的扩散。
■PS硬膜外方法在副作用发生率低方面优于TF方法,更少的辐射暴露,更好的患者舒适度,较高的硬膜外对比扩散,和单级针头访问。