Journal of neurosurgery. Spine
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Review
Perioperative epidural steroids for lumbar spine surgery in degenerative spinal disease. A review.
This systematic review assesses the efficacy of epidural steroids on adults undergoing lumbar spine surgery for degenerative spinal disease. ⋯ There is evidence that epidural steroids decrease pain in the short term and shorten length of stay in adults undergoing lumbar spinal surgery for degenerative spinal disease. Most of the evidence comes from studies without validated outcomes and that selectively report positive results. More research is required before establishing perioperative epidural steroids as an effective adjunct to surgery for reducing pain in the long term.