title: Lower cervical nerve root block using CT fluoroscopy in patients with large body habitus: another benefit of the swimmer's position.
abstract: We describe a method of performing lower cervical nerve root block (CNRB) with CT fluoroscopy in patients with large body habitus using the swimmer's position. This approach reduces image noise with acceptable visualization of vital structures and improved foraminal/root access. Anticipated use of the swimmer's position coupled with minimally modified radiation exposure parameters can limit radiation dose to operator/patient and reduce procedure time to match that of CNRB using CT fluoroscopy in typical patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, University of Pittsburgh, Presbyterian University Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. bartynskiws@upmc.edu
authors.forename: W S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Bartynski
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Whitt
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Sheetz
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Jennings
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Rothfus
mesh_terms: D049628:Body Size; D002572:Cervical Plexus; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D011187:Posture; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed