In this prospective randomized clinical trial, the results of epidural cort
icosteroid injections were evaluated in patients with lumbosciatic pain cau
sed by herniated nucleus pulposus. Thirty-six patients with radicular lumbo
sciatic pain and positive straight leg raising test because of confirmed pr
olapsed intervertebral lumbar discs were randomized into two groups with (1
7 patients) and without (19 patients) epidural corticosteroid injection. Me
mbers of the treatment groups received three injections of 100 mg methylpre
dnisolone in 10 mL bupivacaine 0.25% each. Additional therapy was standardi
zed and identical in both groups. Followup examinations were performed at 2
weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months. The examinations included pain level (visual
analogue scale), straight leg raising test, and functional status (Hannove
r Functional Ability Questionnaire). At 2 weeks, patients receiving methylp
rednisolone injection showed a significant improvement in straight leg rais
ing test results compared with patients in the control group. Results were
better in the methylprednisolone group, although not statistically signific
ant for pain relief and mobility. At 6 weeks and 6 months, pain relief, imp
rovement of straight leg raising, and improvement of functional status show
ed no statistical significance. Epidural corticosteroid injections can be r
ecommended as additional therapy only in the acute phase of the conservativ
e management of lumbosciatic pain.