Safety profile and technical success rate of computed tomography-guided atlanto-axial lateral articulation injections

To describe the technique, safety profile, and outcome of computed tomography (CT)-guided atlanto-axial lateral articulation injections performed at our institution.

Consecutive cases of all CT-guided atlanto-axial injections performed from January 2017 to April 2022 at our institution were searched in the electronic medical records. Patient charts were reviewed for demographics, characterization of pain, potential altered anatomy, pain level before and immediately after the procedure, procedure technique, complications, and follow-up outcomes, if available.

Forty-five injections in 40 different patients were included. The average age was 67.4 years, and 28 (70%) of the patients were female. Of the 45 injections, 43 (96%) were technically successful. The average change in pain score (0-10) from immediately before to immediately after the injection was -3.36 (SD = 2.87, range = -8 to +3). Of all injections, 14 (31%) had a postprocedural pain score of zero. In 2 cases (4%), patients reported an increase in pain score immediately after the injection. In 3 cases (7%), transient non-vertebral artery vascular uptake of contrast was documented during the procedure, which could be cleared with needle repositioning. There were no complications.

CT-guided atlanto-axial lateral articulation injection is a safe procedure with a high technical success rate. It allows for direct visualization of vital structures and provides an alternative option to the traditional fluoroscopic guidance, especially in cases of prior technically unsuccessful fluoroscopically guided injection or altered anatomy.