A Prospective, Randomized Trial of Intrathecal Injection vs. Epidural Infusion in the Selection of Patients for Continuous Intrathecal Opioid Therapy.

The objective of this study was to compare the cost and safety of intrathecal injection (IN) vs. epidural infusion (CE) trial and to provide a preliminary assessment of the prognostic value of each in the selection of patients for long-term continuous intrathecal opioid therapy (CIOT). Thirty-seven patients with chronic nonmalignant pain who were being considered for CIOT were randomized to morphine trial by IN or CE.