Is racz catheter an option when numerous times of epidural steroid injection fails to relieve the pain? then how many injections before considering racz?

Racz catheter : Is a stiffer catheter that allows it to be placed further into the spinal canal via a caudal epidural approach. Although it may get the medication to the right place it may be inherently a little more dangerous. If epidurals aren't working anymore ask your doctor if spinal cord stimulation is an option or get another opinion from your spine surgeon.

Epidural adhesions: If two or more lumbar epidural steroid injections have failed to relieve your back pain, the racz procedure may be of benefit. The epidurals may have failed because of scar tissue in your epidural space, known as epidural adhesions. Adhesions are particularly likely to form if you have had prior back surgery. The racz procedure disrupts these adhesions, bringing you pain relief.

For Scarring: Racz catheter is used on a procedure called epidural lysis of adhesions which is codespeak for scar tissue, assuming you've had back surgery. Generally it is used to deliver an anesthetic/enzyme mixture to break up that scar tissue but is also used for mechanical compression to breakup the tissue as well. Generally your pain/spine doctor should discuss when this is a good option for you.