CompletedPhase 2

Transforaminal Versus Lateralized Interlaminar Cervical Epidurals

United States74 participantsStarted 2018-01-05

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to compare two methods of giving epidural steroid injections for nerve pain in the arm that comes from the neck. An epidural steroid injection can be given in two different ways, either in the back of the spine within the neck or in the neck next to the nerve root going to the arm. Both are standard medical treatments. The investigators would like to see how effective these treatments are, and if there are any differences in effectiveness or safety between these two routes.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Unilateral cervicogenic upper extremity radiculopathy (with or without accompanying neck pain) * Baseline numerical pain scale (NRS) score \> 4 Exclusion Criteria: * Recent (i.e., \< 2 months) cervical spine surgery * Recent (i.e., \< 1 month) cervical epidural or upper extremity corticosteroid injection * Contraindication or inability to the undergo procedure * Inability to provide informed consent * Expected inability to complete follow-up assessment * Contraindication to receiving contrast material (precluding an epidurogram)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Pain Numerical Rating Scale (Averaged Over Past 24 Hours)

Timeframe: Baseline to 2 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03389620

SponsorDuke University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-07-16

Results submitted2024-07-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cervicogenic Upper Extremity Radiculopathy trials