Subjective Intraoperative Use of Epidural Steroid Administration Following Discectomy

Inclusion Criteria: * Presenting to the University of Missouri hospital system - including the University of Missouri Hospital and Missouri Orthopaedic Institute - with a clinical assessment indicative of a lumbar disc herniation * Failed conservative treatment - rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy * Radiculopathy present - positive tension signs or sensory/motor neurologic deficits present * Recent MRI confirming single-level lumbar disc herniation corresponding to clinical evaluation Exclusion Criteria: * Concomitant spinal stenosis, segmental instability, or spondylolisthesis * Previous surgery at the affected level or recurrent herniation * Underlying disease that may affect response to steroids - immunocompromise, use of chronic steroids or immunosuppression * Pregnancy - qualitative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) testing will be performed prior to enrollment * Diagnosis of or symptoms concerning for cauda equina syndrome