Could a squirt of steroid during disc surgery ease recovery?

NCT ID NCT04182997

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Missouri-Columbia Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether applying a steroid (dexamethasone) directly to the surgical site during herniated disc surgery can lower pain and disability afterward. About 200 adults with a single-level lumbar disc herniation who have not improved with rest or therapy will be randomly assigned to receive either the steroid or a saltwater rinse. Researchers will compare pain scores and functional disability over time.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: dexamethasone (a steroid)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could give surgeons a simple way to lower pain and speed recovery after disc surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, single-center trial. The steroid may not help more than placebo, and there is a small risk of infection or other complications.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Intervertebral Disc Displacement lumbar disk disease lumbar disk herniation, susceptibility to

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Missouri Orthopaedic Institute
RECRUITING

Columbia, Missouri, 65202, United States

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