Lumbar Steroid Use in Patients Undergoing Posterior Lumbar Decompression

This is a randomized controlled trial seeking to evaluate the impact of intra-operative topical epidural steroid usage in patients undergoing 1- to 2- level lumbar laminectomies. Subjects enrolled in this study will be randomized to one of two treatments: either 40 mg Depo-Medrol or 1 mL of sterile normal saline will be applied to the surgical wound prior to closure. The study will examine post-operative opioid usage, length of stay, return to work, and patient reported outcomes following these procedures. Subjects will be assessed pre-operatively, while admitted for surgery, and postoperatively daily for two weeks, then again at 1- and 3- months.