Effects of using dexamethasone and placebo in the treatment of prolapsed lumbar disc

Abstract

Previous reports concerning the treatment of [pain] symptoms deriving from prolapsed lumbar disk with systemic administration of the potent steroid dexamethasone have shown favorable results. Patients (39) were assessed with symptoms of prolapsed lumbar disk, treated in a controlled double-blind investigation with dexamethasone or placebo. Provable effect of the treatment was seen in 20 patients; 19 had no effect. Nineteen patients received dexamethasone (13 + effect), 20 received placebo (7 + effect). The groups were fully comparable, and the difference was not statistically significant. During a period of 3 mo., 50% of the patients who improved by the treatment in either group had recurrences leading to operation. The effect of dexamethasone given i.m. does not seem to exceed that of placebo in the treatment of prolapsed lumbar disk.