Periganglionic foraminal steroid injections performed under CT control.

PURPOSE The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of direct intraforaminal steroid injections into the periganglionic space in the treatment of radicular pain.

METHODS Periganglionic infiltrations were performed in 41 patients with acute or chronic radicular pain. Neuroradiologic imaging in all patients showed foraminal stenosis due to degenerative disorders or herniated disk. All injections were performed under CT control.

RESULTS Seventy percent of patients had significant pain reduction, with the greatest success (90% of patients) in those whose foraminal stenosis was due to degenerative disorders; 45% of patients with foraminal herniated disks had pain relief.

CONCLUSION Intraforaminal steroid injection is useful in the treatment of radicular pain, particularly in cases of foraminal degenerative stenosis.