Low Back Pain (LBP)TransforaminalNCT06801990
The Effect of Needle Insertion Angle on Contrast Distribution and Treatment Outcomes in S1 Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections
A study testing S1 transforaminal epidural steroid(dexamethasone) injection in people with Low Back Pain (LBP) and Lumbar Radiculopathy, run by Marmara University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Nerve compression due to lumbar disc herniation (lumbosacral radiculopathy) is a condition characterized by pain in the lower back and legs and restricted lumbar joint movement due to the compression of nerves emerging from the lumbar spine caused by the protrusion of the intervertebral disc. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Low Back Pain (LBP), Lumbar Radiculopathy, Intravascular Injection
- What is being tested?
- S1 transforaminal epidural steroid(dexamethasone) injection
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion, Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 63 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 27 Jan 2025to 1 Aug 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Being over 18 years of age
- Having S1 nerve root compression due to paravertebral disc herniation at the L5-S1 level detected by MRI
- Having history and physical examination findings consistent with S1 root compression
- Patients with low back and leg pain who have not responded to conservative treatment methods
- Being willing to participate in the study and having signed a consent form
Who cannot join
- Having undergone lumbosacral surgery
- Presence of transitional vertebra
- Presence of progressive motor deficit
- Presence of local and/or systemic infection
- History of malignancy
- Patients with lumbar disc herniation causing root compression outside the L5/S1 level on MRI
Show all 14Show fewer
- Patients with bilateral S1 root compression on MRI
- Presence of spinal stenosis
- Pregnancy
- Presence of known coagulopathy
- Presence of known psychiatric disease diagnosis
- History of allergy to any of the injection materials
- Having received an epidural steroid injection within the last 3 months
- Receiving systemic steroid treatment for any reason
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Marmara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi
Istanbul, Maltepe, 34854
About this study
Nerve compression due to lumbar disc herniation (lumbosacral radiculopathy) is a condition characterized by pain in the lower back and legs and restricted lumbar joint movement due to the compression of nerves emerging from the lumbar spine caused by the protrusion of the intervertebral disc. Back pain negatively impacts patients' quality of life and emotional well-being. Treatment approaches aim to alleviate pain, improve joint mobility, and restore functionality through the use of pain-relief medications (topical or oral), physical therapy methods, and rehabilitation programs that include exercises for range of motion, stretching, and strengthening. When these approaches prove insufficient, interventional procedures (injection therapy) or surgical interventions come to the forefront.
One of the proven interventional treatment methods for herniated disc disease is the transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESE), which involves the injection of cortisone around the compressed nerve due to the herniation and is frequently performed in our clinic. Transforaminal injections require imaging guidance and the use of contrast media to enhance the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. To visualize the S1 foramen, needle entry is performed using various angles under fluoroscopy guidance. This study will investigate the effect of the needle entry angle on the spread and pattern of contrast media, complications, and treatment outcomes in fluoroscopy-guided S1 transforaminal epidural steroid injections. The research aims to determine whether the needle entry angle influences the pattern of contrast spread and the treatment outcomes in S1 TFESE.
Read more
Based on the findings of this study, the goal is to refine the procedure for patients requiring injections at this level in the future, optimizing the technique and clinical outcomes. This will provide essential insights to practitioners, maximize the benefits for the patient group undergoing the procedure, and make a significant contribution to medical science. Detailed information regarding the planned injection therapy by your algology specialist will be provided, and written and verbal consent will be obtained through the "Epidural Steroid Injection Consent Form." Various scales and questionnaires will be administered at specific intervals-prior to the procedure, 1 hour after, 3 weeks after, and 3 months after-to evaluate pain levels, treatment response, and the impact on daily activities. The content of these evaluations will be explained in detail by your physician.
Temporary side effects related to the injection may include increased pain at the injection site, low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and allergic reactions, all of which can be managed with appropriate treatment. Although rare, severe side effects such as nerve damage, spinal cord injury, or stroke have been reported in some cases. However, adherence to the guidelines outlined in treatment protocols and the performance of the procedure by adequately trained and experienced physicians significantly reduce the likelihood of these serious side effects. This injection will be performed by an algology specialist with at least 10 years of experience in this field. All necessary precautions will be taken against potential side effects, and the performing team will provide immediate medical intervention in case of complications.
Approximately 66 volunteers will participate in this study, with each follow-up evaluation expected to take about 15 minutes. The identities of participants will remain confidential, and they have the right to withdraw from the study at any time by notifying the researchers. If deemed necessary by the researchers, participants may also be excluded from the study. If a participant declines to participate or is excluded from the study, their treatment will not be interrupted. Participants will not bear any financial responsibility for research-related expenses, and no additional travel costs will be incurred as evaluations will coincide with regular clinic visits.
- Being tested
- S1 transforaminal epidural steroid(dexamethasone) injection
- Keywords
- lumbar radicular pain , epidural injection , intravascular injection , contrast spread pattern , low back pain
- Medical subject headings
- Low Back Pain, Radiculopathy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
S1 transforaminal epidural steroid(dexamethasone) injectionProcedure or surgery
The designed study will examine the effect of oblique entry angles on contrast distribution patterns and treatment outcomes. Therefore, it aims to compare the smallest and largest angles that can be achieved under co-axial imaging at the S1 foramen. For this purpose, patients will be divided into two groups through randomization using a computer program. In the first group, after angling cranially and visualizing the foramen, the needle entry point will be determined. In the second group, after achieving optimal imaging by cranially angling the C-arm fluoroscope, an additional ipsilateral oblique angle will be applied to the fluoroscope.
In this context, Plastaras et al. reported that an angle of 5° ± 5° is the most suitable range for the S1 foramen. Additionally, another study examining dorsal and ventral S1 foramen via tomography images found that the average angle providing the widest view of the dorsal foramen was 26.6° ± 3°. In the current study, no oblique angle will be applied
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Oblique Angle Group | Active comparator | After the optimal image is obtained by angling the C-arm fluoroscopy in the cranial direction, the fluoroscopy will also be angled ipsilaterally obliquely. Receives: Procedure: S1 transforaminal epidural steroid(dexamethasone) injection |
| Non-Oblique Angle Group | Active comparator | In order to visualize the S1 foramen, the C-arm scope will be open towards the cranial direction in AP imaging and no oblique angle will be given. In this group of patients, the needle entry point will be determined after the angle is given towards the cranial direction and the foramen is visualized. Receives: Procedure: S1 transforaminal epidural steroid(dexamethasone) injection |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
NRS
According to the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS): The Numeric Rating Scale is used to measure and monitor pain intensity. "0" represents no pain, and "10" represents the most severe pain imaginable. The patient rates their pain on a scale from 0 to 10. Due to its simplicity, this scale is frequently used in clinical research.
Measured: before intervention, 1 hour after intervention, 3 weeks after intervention, 3 months after intervention
ODI
Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI): It was developed to assess the degree of functional impairment in low back pain. It consists of 10 items. These items evaluate pain intensity, self-care, lifting-carrying, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, the degree of pain variation, travel, and social life. Under each item, there are six statements from which the patient selects the one that best describes their condition. The first statement is scored as "0," and the sixth statement as "5." The total score is calculated, multiplied by two, and expressed as a percentage. The maximum score is "100," and the minimum score is "0." As the total score increases, the level of disability also increases.
Measured: before intervention, 3 weeks after intervention, 3 months after intervention
Secondary outcomes (1)
Contrast Spread Pattern
Absence of anterior epidural spread will be considered stage 0, epidural spread at the needle entry level will be considered stage 1, and epidural spread detected in more than one segmental level will be considered stage 2. In addition, the staging system used by Jeong et al. will also be used. In this study, cephalic and caudal spread of contrast material in transforaminal injections were staged as follows: Grade 0, no visible spread; Grade 1, spread at the same vertebral level; Grade 2, spread at the level of upper intervertebral disc (IVD) (cephalic) or lower IVD (caudad); Grade 3 is defined as extension above the superior IVD, not exceeding the horizontal midline of the superior pedicle, or below the inferior IVD, not exceeding the horizontal midline of the inferior pedicle; Grade 4 is defined as extension above or below the horizontal midline of the superior or inferior pedicle, respectively.
Measured: During the intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Jan 2025
- Study start27 Jan 2025
- Primary completion1 Aug 2025
- Study completion1 Aug 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Low Back Pain (LBP)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Marmara UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 63 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Marmara University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06801990
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- MAR.FTR.BAP.01
- Other IDs
- Marmara University
- Acronym
- Transforaminal
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 25 Jan 2025
- Last updated
- 28 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Needle Insertion Angle on Contrast Distribution and Treatment Outcomes in S1 Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06801990
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Transforaminal / MAR.FTR.BAP.01
- Keywords
- lumbar radicular pain , epidural injection , intravascular injection , contrast spread pattern , low back pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 63 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Marmara UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 27 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Aug 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 30 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Nerve compression due to lumbar disc herniation (lumbosacral radiculopathy) is a condition characterized by pain in the lower back and legs and restricted lumbar joint movement due to the compression of nerves emerging from the lumbar spine caused by the protrusion of the intervertebral disc. Back pain negatively impacts patients' quality of life and emotional well-being. Treatment approaches aim to alleviate pain, improve joint mobility, and restore functionality through the use of pain-relief medications (topical or oral), physical therapy methods, and rehabilitation programs that include exercises for range of motion, stretching, and strengthening. When these approaches prove insufficient, interventional procedures (injection therapy) or surgical interventions come to the forefront.
One of the proven interventional treatment methods for herniated disc disease is the transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESE), which involves the injection of cortisone around the compressed nerve due to the herniation and is frequently performed in our clinic. Transforaminal injections require imaging guidance and the use of contrast media to enhance the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. To visualize the S1 foramen, needle entry is performed using various angles under fluoroscopy guidance. This study will investigate the effect of the needle entry angle on the spread and pattern of contrast media, complications, and treatment outcomes in fluoroscopy-guided S1 transforaminal epidural steroid injections. The research aims to determine whether the needle entry angle influences the pattern of contrast spread and the treatment outcomes in S1 TFESE.
Based on the findings of this study, the goal is to refine the procedure for patients requiring injections at this level in the future, optimizing the technique and clinical outcomes. This will provide essential insights to practitioners, maximize the benefits for the patient group undergoing the procedure, and make a significant contribution to medical science. Detailed information regarding the planned injection therapy by your algology specialist will be provided, and written and verbal consent will be obtained through the "Epidural Steroid Injection Consent Form." Various scales and questionnaires will be administered at specific intervals-prior to the procedure, 1 hour after, 3 weeks after, and 3 months after-to evaluate pain levels, treatment response, and the impact on daily activities. The content of these evaluations will be explained in detail by your physician.
Temporary side effects related to the injection may include increased pain at the injection site, low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and allergic reactions, all of which can be managed with appropriate treatment. Although rare, severe side effects such as nerve damage, spinal cord injury, or stroke have been reported in some cases. However, adherence to the guidelines outlined in treatment protocols and the performance of the procedure by adequately trained and experienced physicians significantly reduce the likelihood of these serious side effects. This injection will be performed by an algology specialist with at least 10 years of experience in this field. All necessary precautions will be taken against potential side effects, and the performing team will provide immediate medical intervention in case of complications.
Approximately 66 volunteers will participate in this study, with each follow-up evaluation expected to take about 15 minutes. The identities of participants will remain confidential, and they have the right to withdraw from the study at any time by notifying the researchers. If deemed necessary by the researchers, participants may also be excluded from the study. If a participant declines to participate or is excluded from the study, their treatment will not be interrupted. Participants will not bear any financial responsibility for research-related expenses, and no additional travel costs will be incurred as evaluations will coincide with regular clinic visits.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Oblique Angle Group | Active comparator | Procedure: S1 transforaminal epidural steroid(dexamethasone) injectionAfter the optimal image is obtained by angling the C-arm fluoroscopy in the cranial direction, the fluoroscopy will also be angled ipsilaterally obliquely. |
| Non-Oblique Angle Group | Active comparator | Procedure: S1 transforaminal epidural steroid(dexamethasone) injectionIn order to visualize the S1 foramen, the C-arm scope will be open towards the cranial direction in AP imaging and no oblique angle will be given. In this group of patients, the needle entry point will be determined after the angle is given towards the cranial direction and the foramen is visualized. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Being over 18 years of age
- Having S1 nerve root compression due to paravertebral disc herniation at the L5-S1 level detected by MRI
- Having history and physical examination findings consistent with S1 root compression
- Patients with low back and leg pain who have not responded to conservative treatment methods
- Being willing to participate in the study and having signed a consent form
Key exclusion criteria (14 listed)
- Having undergone lumbosacral surgery
- Presence of transitional vertebra
- Presence of progressive motor deficit
- Presence of local and/or systemic infection
- History of malignancy
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| S1 transforaminal epidural steroid(dexamethasone) injectionThe designed study will examine the effect of oblique entry angles on contrast distribution patterns and treatment outcomes. Therefore, it aims to compare the smallest and largest angles that can be achieved under co-axial imaging at the S1 foramen. For this purpose, patients will be divided into two groups through randomization using a computer program. In the first group, after angling cranially and visualizing the foramen, the needle entry point will be determined. In the second group, after achieving optimal imaging by cranially angling the C-arm fluoroscope, an additional ipsilateral oblique angle will be applied to the fluoroscope. In this context, Plastaras et al. reported that an angle of 5° ± 5° is the most suitable range for the S1 foramen. Additionally, another study examining dorsal and ventral S1 foramen via tomography images found that the average angle providing the widest view of the dorsal foramen was 26.6° ± 3°. In the current study, no oblique angle will be applied | Procedure or surgery | Non-Oblique Angle Group, Oblique Angle Group |
Primary outcome
NRS
Time frame: before intervention, 1 hour after intervention, 3 weeks after intervention, 3 months after intervention
According to the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS): The Numeric Rating Scale is used to measure and monitor pain intensity. "0" represents no pain, and "10" represents the most severe pain imaginable. The patient rates their pain on a scale from 0 to 10. Due to its simplicity, this scale is frequently used in clinical research.
ODI
Time frame: before intervention, 3 weeks after intervention, 3 months after intervention
Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI): It was developed to assess the degree of functional impairment in low back pain. It consists of 10 items. These items evaluate pain intensity, self-care, lifting-carrying, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, the degree of pain variation, travel, and social life. Under each item, there are six statements from which the patient selects the one that best describes their condition. The first statement is scored as "0," and the sixth statement as "5." The total score is calculated, multiplied by two, and expressed as a percentage. The maximum score is "100," and the minimum score is "0." As the total score increases, the level of disability also increases.
1 secondary outcome
Contrast Spread Pattern
Time frame: During the intervention
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing S1 transforaminal epidural steroid(dexamethasone) injection in people with Low Back Pain (LBP) and Lumbar Radiculopathy, run by Marmara University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 14 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
NRS (time frame: before intervention, 1 hour after intervention, 3 weeks after intervention, 3 months after intervention). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Aug 2026.