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The short- and medium-term effectiveness of CT-guided selective cervical nerve root injection for pain and disability

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Abstract

Introduction

CT-guided cervical nerve root injection with corticosteroid and/or local anesthetic is a recognized technique in the evaluation and treatment of cervical radiculopathy. There are few prospective studies on the efficacy of the various techniques employed in cervical nerve root injection. We present our results from a 1-year prospective series using a CT-guided anterolateral transforaminal approach for cervical nerve root injection of bupivacaine and dexamethasone.

Methods

Pain using a numeric rating scale was assessed at pre-injection, 15 min post-injection, 1 month, and 3 months. Disability was assessed using the Oswestry Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaire at pre-injection, 1 month post-injection, and 3 months.

Results

In total, 50 patients were followed for 3 months. The mean reductions in pain were: 15 min (77 %), 1 month (39 %), and 3 months (33 %). The mean reductions in NDI were: 1 month (26 %) and 3 months (also 26 %). Results were statistically significant.

Conclusions

CT-guided selective cervical nerve root injection in the treatment of cervical radicular pain and related disability produces statistically significant reductions in pain and disability to at least 3 months post-procedure.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Guy’s & St. Thomas’ Hospitals, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK

    Amidevi Desai, Shouvik Saha, Naveen Sharma, Lauren Huckerby & Russell Houghton

Authors
  1. Amidevi Desai
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  2. Shouvik Saha
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  3. Naveen Sharma
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  4. Lauren Huckerby
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  5. Russell Houghton
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Naveen Sharma.

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Desai, A., Saha, S., Sharma, N. et al. The short- and medium-term effectiveness of CT-guided selective cervical nerve root injection for pain and disability. Skeletal Radiol 43, 973–978 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-014-1843-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-014-1843-4

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