Determination of Sensitivity and Specificity of Straight Leg Raise Test Via Transforaminal Nerve Root Block

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 65 years.
• Preliminary diagnosis of lumbar radicular pain based on medical history, physical examination, and lumbar magnetic resonance imaging.
• Patients scheduled to undergo transforaminal epidural injection targeting the L4, L5, or S1 nerve root.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to access clinical or procedural records in the hospital system.
• Absence of available radiological records related to the target level, if required.
• Inability to provide reliable NRS or straight leg raise test assessment due to cognitive impairment or language barrier.
• Coagulopathy, defined as INR > 1.5 or platelet count < 80,000/mm³, or inability to discontinue anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy when required.
• Local or systemic infection, or skin lesion at the planned injection site.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Known severe hypersensitivity to iodinated contrast material or local anesthetics.
• Progressive neurological deficit or cauda equina syndrome.
• Bilateral or nearly bilateral pain with both sides being prominent and equivalent, or need for therapeutic injection at more than one level during the same session.
• Epidural injection with local anesthetic and/or steroid at the same level within the last 6 weeks.
• Active polyneuropathy or other diffuse neuropathies.
• Active radicular pain originating from nerve roots other than L4, L5, or S1.
• Requirement for mandatory sedation.