Cervical nerve injection: computed tomography guidance with intravenous contrast and extraforaminal needle placement. Series of seven consecutive case reports
Received 14 June 2009; received in revised form 9 November 2009; accepted 13 January 2010. published online 02 March 2010.
Abstract
Background context
Image-guided cervical nerve injections are being performed with increasing frequency. Severe complications are being reported.
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to introduce a technique for cervical nerve injection that may decrease the possibility for severe complications.
Study design/setting
This is a series of case reports describing the technique and clinical follow-up.
Patient sample
The sample comprises seven consecutive cases of unilateral neck and arm pain referred for cervical nerve injection.
Outcome measures
Retrospective evaluation of pain relief before and after the injection and at follow-up is reported as case studies.
Methods
The technique for computed tomography guided cervical nerve injection is described with case reports of seven consecutive patients.
Results
The results are case reports of each of the seven patients after unilateral cervical nerve injection.
Conclusion
A technique for cervical nerve injection is described with the results of the injection. This technique may allow some standardization in the procedure, decrease the learning curve for training physicians, and minimize the potential complications.
Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Corresponding author. Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Tel.: (617) 732-7260; fax: (617) 264-5151.
ABSTRACT