COMPARISON OF EFFICACY OF 40MG VERSUS 80MG METHYLPREDNISOLONE EPIDURAL INJECTION IN TREATMENT OF LOW BACK PAIN WITH RADICULOPATHY

SA KHAN; A SATTAR

doi:10.54112/pjicm.v5i02.124

Authors

SA KHAN Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan
A SATTAR Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/pjicm.v5i02.124

Keywords:

Low Back Pain, Radiculopathy, Epidural Steroid Injection, Methylprednisolone, VAS, Pain Management

Abstract

Background: Low back pain with radiculopathy is a common cause of disability worldwide. Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are frequently employed for symptom relief, but the optimal steroid dosage for maximum efficacy and safety remains uncertain. Objective: To compare post-treatment Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores between 40 mg and 80 mg methylprednisolone epidural injections in patients with low back pain and radiculopathy. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: The study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Duration: 4 May 2024 to 4 November 2024. Methods: A total of 212 patients diagnosed with low back pain and radiculopathy were randomly assigned to two equal groups. Group A received 40 mg methylprednisolone and Group B received 80 mg methylprednisolone, both administered transforaminally via epidural injection. VAS scores were recorded at baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: A significantly greater reduction in VAS scores was observed in Group A compared to Group B (p<0.05). Subgroup analysis, stratified by comorbidity status, showed consistent results. Conclusion: A 40 mg methylprednisolone epidural injection provides superior short-term pain relief compared to 80 mg, with potential advantages in safety and cost-effectiveness.

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