DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i10.004

Pages: 1200-1205

Background: Lumbar radiculopathy is a common cause of disability. Transforaminal epidural steroid injection [TFESI] is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients who fail conservative management. Data on patient‑reported outcomes and predictors of response from Nigerian centres are limited. This study evaluated the outcomes of TFESI for lumbar radiculopathy at a Nigerian tertiary centre. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 358 patients who underwent TFESI for lumbar radiculopathy at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Dala, Kano, from January 2019 to June 2025 was conducted. Outcomes were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months using the Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] for leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]. Outcomes were classified as good [≥50% reduction in VAS and ≥15‑point reduction in ODI] or poor. Multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of good outcome. Results: At 3 months, 305 patients [85.2%] were available for follow‑up; 34 were lost. At 6 months, 286 patients [79.9%] were available; an additional 19 were lost. At 12 months, 305 patients [85.2%] were available; a total of 53 [14.8%] were lost by 12 months. Good outcome was achieved in 68.9% at 3 months, 62.6% at 6 months, and 54.7% at 12 months. Mean VAS decreased from 7.4±1.5 to 3.2±1.8 at 3 months [p<0.001] and 3.8±2.0 at 12 months [p<0.001]. Mean ODI decreased from 56.8±14.2 to 28.4±15.6 at 3 months [p<0.001] and 32.6±16.4 at 12 months [p<0.001]. Independent predictors of good outcome included: symptom duration <6 months [adjusted OR 3.2, 95% CI: 1.5–6.8], radicular pain without motor deficit [OR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.3–6.1], single‑level injection [OR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1–5.2], and no previous injection [OR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.0–4.6]. Conclusions: TFESI provides significant short‑term relief for lumbar radiculopathy, with diminishing benefit over 12 months. Shorter symptom duration, radicular pain without motor deficit, single‑level injection, and no previous injection predict good outcome.