Coagulation management in epidural steroid injection

The objective of this study was to review all published articles in the English language literature about the coagulation management of epidural corticosteroid injections (ESI) in humans. ESI are among the most commonly used procedures to manage chronic spinal pain, yet there is no conclusive review on the coagulation management of this popular procedure. We searched for reports using MEDLINE and EMBASE with the terms ‘epidural and steroids’, ‘corticosteroids’ or ‘glucocorticosteroids’, ‘coagulation’, and ‘haematoma’ up to and including the year 2012. Reports were also located through references of articles. We conclude that even though epidural steroid injection is one of the most used techniques in treating radicular pain, correct management of coagulation is necessary.The objective of this study was to review all published articles in the English language literature about the coagulation management of epidural corticosteroid injections (ESI) in humans. ESI are among the most commonly used procedures to manage chronic spinal pain, yet there is no conclusive review on the coagulation management of this popular procedure. We searched for reports using MEDLINE and EMBASE with the terms ‘epidural and steroids’, ‘corticosteroids’ or ‘glucocorticosteroids’, ‘coagulation’, and ‘haematoma’ up to and including the year 2012. Reports were also located through references of articles. We conclude that even though epidural steroid injection is one of the most used techniques in treating radicular pain, correct management of coagulation is necessary