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Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Success of Ultrasound-Guided Neuraxial Anesthesia in Cases with Difficult Anatomy
Published on: January 31, 2025
Ultrasound-guided caudal epidural steroid injection for successful treatment of radiculopathy during pregnancy
Timothy M Connolly1,2, Danielle Nadav2, Semih Gungor1,2
1Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Management, Hospital for Special Surgery - Weill Cornell Medicine, 535 East 70th Street, NY 10021, USA.
Aim: The aim of this case report is to describe ultrasound guidance for caudal epidural steroid injection during pregnancy. Case report: A 29-year-old, 32-week parturient presented with severe back and leg pain with MRI demonstrating herniation of the L5-S1 level. The disabling pain was refractory to conservative therapy, and an ultrasound-guided caudal epidural steroid injection was performed. There was significant pain relief in the first week with an uneventful subsequent pregnancy. Following delivery, the patient had no further recurrence of her presenting symptoms. Conclusion: Severe radiculopathy may be encountered during pregnancy, complicated by a limited number of treatment options. Ultrasound guidance should be considered during performance of caudal epidural injections in feasible cases.
Aim: The aim of this case report is to describe ultrasound guidance for caudal epidural steroid injection during pregnancy. Case report: A 29-year-old, 32-week parturient presented with severe back and leg pain with MRI demonstrating herniation of the L5-S1 level. The disabling pain was refractory to conservative therapy, and an ultrasound-guided caudal epidural steroid injection was performed. There was significant pain relief in the first week with an uneventful subsequent pregnancy. Following delivery, the patient had no further recurrence of her presenting symptoms. Conclusion: Severe radiculopathy may be encountered during pregnancy, complicated by a limited number of treatment options. Ultrasound guidance should be considered during performance of caudal epidural injections in feasible cases.
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