Percutaneous Infiltrations of Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Spine

ABSTRACT

This article reviews the techniques of computed tomography (CT)-directed periradicular infiltrations and analyzes the results in a large series of patients. The various approaches to sites of nerve root pain are described at the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels. Periradicular infiltrations are used to treat nerve root pain related to disk herniation, vertebral body disease, and fibrosis in addition to certain cases of spinal radiculitis. CT is the most effective guidance technique and optimizes procedure safety. Preliminary contrast enhancement allows confirmation of proper needle placement and evaluation of the future dispersal pattern of the corticosteroid injectate. Used as a complement to standard medical therapy, these techniques, applicable at the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels, have demonstrated efficacy in the management of radicular pain.

KEYWORDS

Computed tomography guidance - spine - interventional procedure - nerves - spinal

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