Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection: Techniques and Evidence.

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Neurosurgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Cervical radicular pain is frequently treated with epidural steroid injections.
• Potential serious complications include spinal cord infarction and epidural hematoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of cervical epidural steroid injections for radicular pain.
• To highlight key safety considerations and areas for future research.

Main Methods:

• Review of safety considerations including radiographic, technical, and pharmacologic principles.
• Assessment of short-term effectiveness for radicular pain.
• Identification of the need for further clinical outcomes studies.

Main Results:

• Cervical epidural steroid injections are effective for short-term radicular pain relief.
• Procedures are relatively safe when established principles are followed.
• Potential risks such as spinal cord infarction and hematoma require careful attention.

Conclusions:

• Cervical epidural steroid injections provide short-term benefits for radicular pain.
• Adherence to safety protocols is crucial to minimize risks.
• Further rigorous studies are necessary for both interlaminar and transforaminal approaches.