Efficacy of epidural steroid injections and evaluation of surgical and anesthetic approaches in far-lateral disc herniations.

Aim: To observe the long-term effect of epidural steroid injections (ESI) and describe surgical outcomes in patients with far-lateral lumbar disc herniations. Materials & methods: The medical records of 30 patients who underwent surgery for far-lateral lumbar disc herniations were reviewed. Results: ESI outcomes: pain scores decreased significantly after ESI (p = 0.004). The surgery was delayed for 13.78 ± 8.59 months in patients who received ESI. Surgical outcomes: the improvement in the leg pain was considerably more significant than the back pain (p < 0.001). While motor deficit improved substantially (p < 0.001), there was persistent sensory dysesthesia. Conclusion: ESI does not prevent but may delay the surgery up to 28 months. Although postoperative pain scores were significantly decreased, there was persistent back pain and sensory paresthesia.