Effect of Adjunct Transforaminal Anterior Epidural Steroid Injection Following Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression in Patients With Single-Level Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Prospective Observational Study

This is a prospective, single-center observational study conducted at the Algology Clinic of Mersin University Faculty of Medicine. The study will include adult patients with single-level lumbar disc herniation confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging who undergo routine percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) as part of standard clinical care.

According to routine clinical practice and physician decision, some patients receive adjunct transforaminal anterior epidural steroid injection with dexamethasone in the same session following PLDD using the same cannula after withdrawal from the disc space and confirmation of epidural position with contrast under fluoroscopy. This combined approach does not require an additional puncture and is part of standard clinical treatment.

Patients will be prospectively followed and divided into two groups based on routine clinical management: those undergoing PLDD alone and those undergoing PLDD with adjunct transforaminal epidural steroid injection.

Baseline demographic data including age and sex, clinical characteristics such as symptom duration and affected disc level, and comorbidities will be recorded using standardized data collection forms.

The primary outcome measure will be change in leg pain intensity assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcome measures will include back pain NRS, functional status evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), analgesic consumption, need for additional interventions, and complication rates.