Epidural Catheters for Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections to Target Higher Cervical Pathology: Clinical Images in Practice

Authors

Peter D Vu
Christopher L Robinson
Grant H Chen
Jamal J Hasoon

Publication Date

11-1-2023

Journal

Cureus

Abstract

Cervical radicular pain is commonly treated with cervical epidural steroid injections. The transforaminal approach allows for direct treatment of the steroid at a particular nerve root or level. Still, it carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality with thromboembolism or injury to cervical vasculature. The interlaminar approach is commonly utilized as it avoids vascular structures. However, the epidural space becomes narrower at higher levels, limiting the ability to perform this approach at higher cervical levels. Cervical epidural catheters can be used and advanced to target higher cervical pathology through the interlaminar approach. We present clinical images demonstrating the utility of a cervical catheter for treating higher cervical levels.

Keywords

cervical radicular pain, educational images, epidural catheter, interlaminar approach, steroid epidural injections