RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07627308

US vs FL-Guided Lumbar Nerve Root Injections

Ultrasound-Guided Versus Fluoroscopy-Guided Selective Lumbar Nerve Root Injections for Lumbosacral Radiculopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Sponsor

Tanta University

Enrollment

64 participants

Start Date

Jun 1, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Lumbosacral Radiculopathy

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if ultrasound-guided nerve root injections work as well as fluoroscopy (X-ray)-guided injections to treat lower back and leg pain caused by irritated nerves (lumbosacral radiculopathy) in adults aged 18 to 75 years old. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does ultrasound guidance lower pain as effectively as fluoroscopy guidance after 3 months? * Does one method help participants recover their ability to do daily activities better than the other? * Are ultrasound-guided injections as fast and safe for participants as fluoroscopy-guided injections? Researchers will compare ultrasound-guided nerve root injections to fluoroscopy-guided nerve root injections to see if ultrasound works to treat the pain just as well while allowing participants to avoid radiation exposure. Participants will: * Receive one targeted nerve injection of medication (a steroid and numbing medicine) in their lower back using either ultrasound or fluoroscopy to guide the needle. * Stay at the clinic for 30 to 60 minutes after the procedure so researchers can check their safety. * Attend checkups at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months to answer survey questions about their pain levels and daily functioning.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 75 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying a procedure called Fluoroscopy-Guided Selective Lumbar Nerve Root Injection and a procedure called Ultrasound-Guided Selective Lumbar Nerve Root Injection for people with lumbosacral radiculopathy. The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

PROCEDUREUltrasound-Guided Selective Lumbar Nerve Root Injection

A posterior paravertebral ultrasound scan is performed using a curved transducer, followed by a transverse sonogram at the target site to identify the spinous process, vertebral lamina, facet joints, and intervertebral foramen. A 22-gauge spinal needle is advanced using an in-plane technique until mild paresthesia in the affected dermatome is elicited. The standardized therapeutic medication is then injected without the use of a contrast agent.

PROCEDUREFluoroscopy-Guided Selective Lumbar Nerve Root Injection

A C-arm fluoroscopy unit is used for visualization. A 22-gauge spinal needle is inserted into the safe triangle near the nerve root under fluoroscopic guidance. Iodinated contrast material (iohexol 240 mgI/mL, 1-2 mL) is injected to confirm extra-vasculature, extra-thecal needle placement and to rule out intravascular injection before the standardized therapeutic medication is administered.