Early outcomes from intra-articular lateral C1-2 joint steroid injections: A retrospective case series

The C1-2 joint is a unique structure that when arthritic, can cause pain and restrictions in cervical rotation. Steroid injections into the lateral C1-2 joint can be performed, but the literature on outcomes is limited.

To describe one tertiary spine center's outcomes in treating presumed C1-2 joint pain via intra-articular steroid injections over a recent 10-year period.

Consecutive patients were identified using an institutional research repository database tool with the search terminology "C1-2", "atlantoaxial joint", or "AA joint" from January 2014 to January 2024. Patients were included in the analysis if they had received a C1-2 joint steroid injection and early follow-up outcomes were available in the electronic medical record system.

Outcome data was available on 52 patients over a 10-year period. Success was defined as ≥50 % improvement in the NRS pain score. Nineteen patients (37 % [95 % CI: 24-50 %]) reported a successful outcome at two weeks post-procedure. Longer-term outcomes data was not available.

Intra-articular lateral C1-2 joint steroid injections may provide modest short-term pain relief in some patients with presumed C1-2 joint pain.