Can contrast spread predict which sciatica injection works?
NCT ID NCT07813988
First seen Sep 10, 2026 · Last updated Sep 15, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
Researchers compare three fluoroscopy-guided epidural steroid injection techniques for adults with leg pain from a herniated disc. Ninety-nine participants receive either a high-volume interlaminar injection, a low-volume interlaminar injection, or a transforaminal injection. The trial tests whether the pattern of contrast dye spreading in the epidural space predicts meaningful pain relief at three months.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Epidural steroid injection with betamethasone and bupivacaine, given by one of three fluoroscopy-guided approaches
- What this could lead to
- If contrast spread predicts who responds, doctors could tailor the injection approach to each patient and avoid treatments unlikely to help.
- What could go wrong
- Epidural steroid injections can cause temporary soreness, headache, or, rarely, infection or nerve injury. Contrast patterns may not predict relief, and any benefit often fades within weeks to months.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
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About 99 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Oct 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 to 65 years. * Unilateral lumbosacral radicular pain consistent with a dermatomal distribution. * Magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed lumbar disc herniation (bulge, protrusion, or extrusion) at the corresponding clinical level. * Persistent symptoms despite at least 6 weeks of conservative management, including analgesics and physiotherapy. * Baseline Numerical Rating Scale pain score of 4 or greater. * American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I to III. * Ability to understand and complete outcome assessments. * Written informed consent provided. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous lumbar spine surgery or failed back surgery syndrome. * Red-flag signs, including foot drop, urinary incontinence, or cauda equina syndrome. * Bilateral radicular symptoms or central canal stenosis requiring surgical intervention. * Coagulopathy or ongoing anticoagulant therapy. * Local or systemic infection or hepatic dysfunction. * Known allergy to contrast medium, local anesthetics, or corticosteroids. * Pregnancy. * Severe renal impairment contraindicating contrast use. * Chronic opioid use, defined as daily opioid use for more than 3 months before enrollment. * Uncontrolled systemic disease, including unstable diabetes or severe cardiopulmonary disease. * Inability to comply with follow-up.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Benha University Hospital
Banhā, Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt
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