Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria:

 • Diagnosed lower-extremity radiculopathy (sciatica)

 • Sciatica secondary to prolapsed intervertebral disc (PID) (proven on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI))

 • Duration of symptoms between 6 weeks and 12 months

 • Leg pain non-responsive to conservative, non-invasive management

 • Age 16–65 years

 • Patient has attempted at least one form of conservative (non-operative) treatment (but this has not provided adequate relief of patient’s pain/symptoms)

 • Patient willing and able to give consent

Including but not limited to; medication, physiotherapy, modification of daily activities

Exclusion criteria:

 • Serious neurological deficit (e.g. foot-drop/possible cauda-equina compression)

 • Previous spinal surgery at the same intervertebral disc (level)

 • Sciatica presentation for longer than 12 months

 • Age < 16 years

 • Age > 65 years

 • Patient has not attempted any form of conservative treatment

 • Any patient who has a contraindication for surgery and/or injection

 • Patient known to be pregnant