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. 2023 Mar;7(2):93-96.

Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Intraprocedural Cervical Epidural Depth: A Case Series

Steven Kim  1 , Kimberly Fazio  2 , Vlad Suric  3 , Gustaf Van Acker  4   5 , Chong Kim  1
Affiliations
  • PMID: 40960336
Free article

Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Intraprocedural Cervical Epidural Depth: A Case Series

Steven Kim et al. Pain Med Case Rep. 2023 Mar.
Free article

Abstract

Background: Cervical epidural depth is assessed intraprocedurally using loss-of-resistance technique and fluoroscopy. It would be helpful if this depth could be predicted using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images.

Methods: This is a case series of 10 patients undergoing cervical epidural steroid injections (CESIs). The following measurements were made: intraprocedural depth, measured on Tuohy needles intraprocedurally, and MRI depth, measured from the MRI cervical spine. Linear regression models were used to compare the 2 depths.

Results: For intraprocedural depth vs sagittal MRI depth, R (Version 4.2.0, R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria, 2021) was 0.8744, P value < 0.0001. For intraprocedural depth vs axial MRI depth, R was 0.8582, P value < 0.001.

Conclusions: Knowledge of the cervical epidural depth prior to CESIs may improve the safety and efficacy of these procedures.

Keywords: Cervical epidural depth; MRI depth; case series; cervical epidural steroid injections; cervical radiculopathy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Each author certifies that he or she, or a member of his or her immediate family, has no commercial association (i.e., consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted manuscript.

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