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Epidural Steroid Use After Lumbar Discectomy

This study is looking at whether using a steroid called dexamethasone during surgery for a herniated disc in your lower back (lumbar disc herniation) can help reduce pain. Some patients will have their surgical area rinsed with dexamethasone, while others will receive a saline (saltwater) rinse. Researchers want to see if patients with more inflammation around their nerves benefit more from the steroid. To join, you must have a lumbar disc herniation, have tried other treatments without success, and have nerve pain. The study will measure your pain and how well you can do daily activities for up to 8 weeks after surgery to see if the treatment is successful. The current status of this study is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 200 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either dexamethasone or saline during their surgery.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for up to 8 weeks after their surgery to measure pain and disability.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04182997

Subjective Intraoperative Use of Epidural Steroid Administration Following Discectomy

Recruiting
PHASE4Ages 18+InterventionalTreatment
University of Missouri-Columbia
~200 participants
Updated 2026-06-03 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Dexamethasonesaline 0.9%

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Post Operative Pain Scores
Measured over Until final follow up (up to 8 weeks)
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Lumbar Disc Herniation

Explore related trials

Prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Missouri1

Study leadership

  • Don Kim Moore, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Missouri Orthopaedic Institute

Who to contact

Vickci Jones, MEd, CCRP
[email protected]
(573) 882-7583
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Presenting to the University of Missouri hospital system - including the University of Missouri Hospital and Missouri Orthopaedic Institute - with a clinical assessment indicative of a lumbar disc herniation
Failed conservative treatment - rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy
Radiculopathy present - positive tension signs or sensory/motor neurologic deficits present
Recent MRI confirming single-level lumbar disc herniation corresponding to clinical evaluation

Exclusion

Concomitant spinal stenosis, segmental instability, or spondylolisthesis
Previous surgery at the affected level or recurrent herniation
Underlying disease that may affect response to steroids - immunocompromise, use of chronic steroids or immunosuppression
Pregnancy - qualitative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) testing will be performed prior to enrollment
Diagnosis of or symptoms concerning for cauda equina syndrome

What this trial measures

  • Post Operative Pain ScoresUntil final follow up (up to 8 weeks)

    Comparing post operative pain scores between treatment and placebo group. Using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score with scale 0 to 10 with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain of your life.

  • Post Operative Oswestry Disability IndexUntil final follow up (up to 8 weeks

    Comparing post operative disability scores between treatment and placebo group. Using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) to measure a patient's permanent functional disability and low back functional outcome tools.