Epidural injection of dexamethasone palmitate vs. betamethasone for lumbar radiculopathy, study protocol for a multi-center non-inferiority randomized double-blind controlled trial
Xiaohong Jin
IntroductionLumbar disc herniation is commonly treated with epidural steroid injections to relieve radicular pain. Dexamethasone palmitate, a newer lipophilic formulation, is theoretically safer and provides longer-lasting effects compared to traditional corticosteroids like betamethasone. However, direct clinical evidence comparing their efficacy and safety is still limited.MethodsThis multicenter, randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority trial will enroll 228 patients with confirmed lumbar di