Cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection (CT-guided)
Presentation
Right-sided neck and arm pain
Patient Data
CT-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI)
- Smaller 30G needle used to aid correct needle position and administer local anesthesia.
- Final pre-contrast position of the 25G Quincke needle.
- Post-contrast images show contrast extends through the targeted right C5/6 foramen with epidural extension.
Case Discussion
Planning CT-guided procedures and ensuring an accurate needle entry point makes for a more straightforward procedure. This can be achieved in multiple ways and there are numerous radio-opaque grids available. The curved shape of the neck and lateral needle entry point can make the application of some grids more difficult. A small needle, such as a short 30G needle, can help to check the needle entry position after marking, before the Quincke needle is used, is one such technique.