ArticleEuropean spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society2025
Patterns of spinal injections following lumbar fusion surgery: a nationwide cohort study with 3-year follow-up.
Article in European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
purposeWhile lumbar fusion surgery is widely performed for degenerative conditions, postoperative pain management often requires additional interventions. This study aimed to investigate the patterns and timing of spinal injections within three years after lumbar fusion surgery.
methodsThe study analyzed data from the Korean Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service database, including 82,951 patients who underwent lumbar fusion surgery between 2013 and 2015 for degenerative spinal conditions. Patient outcomes were tracked for three years to assess the proportion receiving different injection types (epidural blocks, medial branch blocks, and facet joint blocks), including temporal trends and reoperation rates.
resultsWithin three years post-fusion, 36.1% received epidural blocks, 12.8% received medial branch blocks, and 6.2% received facet joint blocks. The mean time to first injection was 422 ± 303 days. Injection rates were highest in the first 6 months (29.6% of all first injections), gradually declining thereafter. Patients receiving injections showed higher reoperation rates (15.4-18.9%) compared to those without injections (4.2-7.5%).
conclusionsThis nationwide study reveals substantial utilization of spinal injections post-fusion, with epidural blocks being predominant. These findings suggest the importance of careful patient selection and underscore the need for comprehensive patient education regarding potential long-term outcomes, including extended pain management strategies.
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