Work

Analgesic Efficacy of Epidural Neuroplasty via Racz Catheter During Lumbar Fixation In Situ for Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Background Effective pain management after lumbar fixation in situ is crucial for improving recovery and quality of life. Epidural neuroplasty via the Racz catheter is a potential method to enhance analgesia by targeting epidural inflammation and nerve compression. This work assessed the analgesic efficacy of epidural neuroplasty via a Racz catheter during lumbar fixation in situ for lumbosacral spondylolisthesis. Methods This randomized, double‐blinded, controlled study was conducted on 50 patients aged 18–65 years, of both sexes, who had Grade 1 spondylolisthesis, facet osteoarthropathy, and a small disc on radiological findings. Participants were randomly assigned to two equal groups. Group S received epidural neuroplasty via a Racz catheter during lumbar fixation, and Group C received conventional lumbar steroid injections. Results Visual analog scale and Oswestry low back disability questionnaire scores were significantly diminished immediately postprocedure and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 m in Group S than in Group C ( p < 0.05). Hypotension, paraesthesia, bleeding, and headache exhibited comparability between the two groups. The patient satisfaction level was significantly elevated in the Racz catheter group as opposed to the conventional lumbar group ( p < 0.05). Conclusions Epidural neuroplasty using a Racz catheter during lumbar fixation provides enhanced short‐term analgesia, functional recovery, and patient satisfaction compared with conventional lumbar treatment in Grade‐1 spondylolisthesis, without increased adverse effects, providing preliminary evidence that warrants validation in larger, long‐term studies. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06684821

Source: Anesthesiology Research and Practice

DOI: 10.1155/anrp/1031307

Authors: Ahmed Shehata Abd Elhamid, Mohammed Said Elsharkawy, Mostafa Mohamed Shaheen, Khaled Hamama, Ahmed Nada, Taysser M. Abdelraheem

Institutions: Port Said University, Tanta University

Language: English

Topic: Spine and Intervertebral Disc Pathology

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,100