Steroid shot during back surgery may ease pain, small trial suggests

NCT ID NCT07411326

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Centro Hospitalar De São João, E.P.E. Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested whether giving a steroid (dexamethasone) during minimally invasive back surgery reduces pain and disability afterward. 90 adults with a herniated disc in the lower back took part. Half received the steroid during surgery, half got a saltwater placebo. Researchers measured pain and function up to months later to see if the steroid group recovered better.

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 lead to a simple way to reduce pain and speed recovery after back surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with 90 patients. The benefit may be small or not apply to all types of back surgery. Steroids also carry risks like infection or nerve irritation.

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 radiculopathy

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LUMBAR HERNIATED DISK LUMBAR RADICULOPATHY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Centro Hospitalar Universitario São João

Porto, Porto District, 4445, Portugal

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