Caudal Steroid Injection Procedure

Caudal steroid injection procedure is performed to relieve low back and radiating leg pain.  The steroid medication can reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by spinal conditions, such as spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, failed back surgery syndrome, and herniated discs.

In a caudal steroid injection procedure, the patient lies face down.  A cushion is placed under the stomach area for comfort and to arch the back.  The physician uses fluoroscopy to find the small opening at the base of the sacrum called the sacral hiatus.  A local anesthetic numbs the skin and all the tissue down to the surface of the sacral hiatus.

A needle is guided through the anesthetized track and into the epidural space.  The needle is carefully inserted about two centimeters.  Once inside the sacral hiatus space, a contrast or non-allergenic iodine base solution is injected.  This solution helps the physician see the diseased and painful areas using a fluoroscope. A steroid-anesthetic mix is injected into the epidural space, surrounding the painful area in medication.

The needle is removed.  The tiny surface wound is covered with a small bandage.  In some cases it may be necessary to repeat the procedure as many as three times for the patient to feel the full benefit of the medication.  However, many patients feel significant relief from only one or two injections.