Cervical nerve injection: computed tomography guidance with intravenous contrast and extraforaminal needle placement. Series of seven consecutive case reports.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Image-guided cervical nerve injections are being performed with increasing frequency. Severe complications are being reported.

PURPOSE

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

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This is a series of case reports describing the technique and clinical follow-up.

PATIENT SAMPLE

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

OUTCOME MEASURES

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.

CONCLUSION

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.