Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for inclusion in the review.
Specific interventions included in the review
Studies were eligible if they included a treatment group that received at least one fluoroscopically guided, selective nerve root corticosteroid injection (TFESI or SNRB) compared with either placebo or an alternative intervention. The participants in the intervention group were allowed other additional interventions if they were also given to the control group participants. Where reported, the mean number of injections given in the intervention group ranged from 1 to 1.7 per patient. Comparison groups included placebo (saline), anaesthetic, interlaminar epidural steroid injection and trigger point injection.
Participants included in the review
Only participants who were suffering from primarily lower-limb pain more than lumbar pain were eligible for inclusion in the review. Where specified, the required duration of symptoms before study enrolment ranged from 15 days to 3 months.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The authors did not specify which outcomes were eligible for inclusion in the review. The included studies reported both subjective and objective outcomes, including assessments of pain, disability and movement. Adverse events were also assessed.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors did not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many reviewers performed the selection.