Cervical nerve injection: computed tomography guidance with intravenous contrast and extraforaminal needle placement. Series of seven consecutive case reports.
BACKGROUND
Image-guided cervical nerve injections are being performed with increasing frequency. Severe complications are being reported.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to introduce a technique for cervical nerve injection that may decrease the possibility for severe complications.


METHODS
This is a series of case reports describing the technique and clinical follow-up.


METHODS
The sample comprises seven consecutive cases of unilateral neck and arm pain referred for cervical nerve injection.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Cho
Charles H
CH
Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. ccho81@partners.org
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D001623:Betamethasone; D002045:Bupivacaine