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. 2012 Mar;33(3):415-9.
doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A2835. Epub 2011 Dec 29.

Safety and efficacy of CT-guided transforaminal cervical epidural steroid injections using a posterior approach

J T Wald  1 , T P Maus, J R Geske, R E Carter, F E Diehn, T J Kaufmann, J M Morris, N S Murthy, K R Thielen
Affiliations

Safety and efficacy of CT-guided transforaminal cervical epidural steroid injections using a posterior approach

J T Wald et al. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2012 Mar.

Abstract

Background and purpose: Image-guided cervical transforaminal epidural injections play an important role in the management of cervical radicular pain syndromes. The safety and efficacy of these injections via an anterolateral approach has been well-studied. The goal of this retrospective review was to determine the safety and efficacy of CT-guided transforaminal epidural injections by using a posterior approach.

Materials and methods: Retrospective review of patient records was used to define VNPS and RMDI of patients undergoing CT-guided transforaminal cervical epidural injections between 2006 and 2010. Pain scores were recorded preprocedure, immediately postprocedure, at 2 weeks, and at 2 months. The RMDI was recorded preprocedure, at 2 weeks, and at 2 months. Data analysis of 247 patients was completed. Differences in VNPS scores and the RMDI were then compared on the basis of a CT-guided approach (anterolateral versus posterior).

Results: There was no statistical difference in the degree of pain relief and improvement in the RMDI between the CT-guided transforaminal anterolateral approach and the posterior approach at 2 weeks and at 2 months. Both groups demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in pain scores and the RMDI. Approximately 35% of patients in both groups demonstrated >50% pain relief at 2 months. There were no serious complications in either group.

Conclusions: CT-guided transforaminal cervical epidural injections by using a posterior approach are safe and effective.

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Figures

Fig 1.
Fig 1.
Anterolateral approach for CT-guided cervical epidural injection. A, Lateral placement of needle tip within the C6-C7 neuroforamen. B, Periganglionic flow and central flow of contrast into the epidural space.
Fig 2.
Fig 2.
Posterior approach for CT-guided cervical epidural injection. A, Posterior placement of needle tip at the lateral margin of the C6-C7 neuroforamen. B, Periganglionic and central flow of contrast into the epidural space.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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