Ultrasound-Guided Cervical Intervertebral Disc Injection Without Fluoroscopy

Cervical disc degeneration is a known cause of neck and shoulder discomfort. Traditional diagnosis often relies on fluoroscopy-guided provocative discography. However, this method has limitations in accessibility and safety. Prior research has shown that fluoroscopy exposes patients to ionizing radiation. No prior work had resolved alternative imaging techniques for disc injections. This gap motivated exploration of non-radiation methods. Ultrasound has been used for peripheral nerve blocks but not for cervical discs. Sonopalpation has been proposed for joint injections. This paper introduces a novel approach using US for disc injections.

The aim of this case series was to evaluate the feasibility of US-guided cervical disc injections. The specific problem addressed was the lack of non-fluoroscopic alternatives for disc injections. Motivation came from the desire to reduce radiation exposure. The authors sought to validate a safer diagnostic and therapeutic method. They focused on patients with neck and shoulder pain. The goal was to determine if US could replace fluoroscopy. The study tested whether US could guide accurate injections. It also aimed to assess symptom improvement after the procedure.

The study involved three patients with cervical disc degeneration and pain. Ultrasound guidance was used for injection placement. Sonopalpation combined palpation with US imaging. The most painful disc was identified using this technique. Superb microvascular imaging validated injectant spread. No fluoroscopy was used during the procedure. The injection sites were confirmed visually. Post-injection symptom improvement was recorded. The approach was tested in an examination room setting. The method focused on real-time imaging feedback.

Symptoms improved significantly after US-guided injections. The most painful disc was accurately identified using sonopalpation. Injectant spread was confirmed via superb microvascular imaging. No fluoroscopy was required for the procedure. The examination room setting was sufficient for the injections. All three patients reported reduced neck and shoulder pain. The method demonstrated feasibility in clinical practice. The results suggest US can guide cervical disc injections effectively.

The authors suggest that US can guide cervical disc injections without fluoroscopy. The sonopalpation technique was effective in identifying target discs. Superb microvascular imaging validated injectant spread. The study demonstrated that US is a viable alternative to fluoroscopy. Symptom improvement supports the therapeutic potential of this approach. The method is feasible in a standard examination room. The findings align with the authors' hypothesis. This approach may reduce radiation exposure for patients.