Cervical Epidural Injection

Abstract

In the last 5 years, interlaminar injections have been used more and more internationally for the cervical spine. The dorsal epidural space in particular can be reached interlaminarily. In a so-called intervention in the lateral recessus, it is possible to infiltrate several nerve roots. Indications for cervical transforaminal and interlaminar injection are: (1) radicular pain is demonstrated anamnestically, clinically, and possibly electrophysiologically, (2) a failure to respond to conservative treatment with appropriate medications, physical measures, and physical therapy. Absolute contraindications to cervical epidural injection are: a lack of patient consent, the patient cannot cooperate under the procedure, anaphylactic reaction to contrast media in the history, an untreated local infection in the area of the intervention, coagulopathy, and pregnancy. Relative contraindications are: Drug allergy, treatment with anticoagulants, systemic infection, massive cardiovascular or respiratory limitations, immunosuppression.