Description of Image-Guided Spinal Injections
A CT-guided perineurial/epidural or facet joint injection involves injecting a steroid and/or local anaesthetic into a selected exiting/exited spinal nerve root, the epidural space (for canal stenosis), or spinal facet joints (small paired joints at the back of the spine). This procedure can provide symptom relief and may also aid in diagnosing and localising the source of the symptoms. Symptom relief from the injection can be complete or partial, long-lasting or temporary.
Information Required at Booking
When booking your procedure, please inform us if any of the following apply to you:
- You are pregnant.
- You have kidney disease.
- You have had previous allergic reactions, particularly to contrast media.
- You are diabetic or asthmatic.
- You require an interpreter.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Please bring the following to your appointment:
- Radiology referral form
- Medicare card
- Any previous relevant imaging
Preparation
Please inform us if you are taking blood thinning medication (such as aspirin, Plavix, warfarin, or clexane), as this may need to be ceased for several days prior to your injection.
Procedure
A consultation will take place prior to the procedure, during which the risks and benefits will be discussed. Informed consent will be obtained. Depending on the region of the spine targeted, you will be positioned on the CT table on your back, on your stomach, or on your side in a comfortable position. The radiologist will then sterilise the skin area using chlorhexidine or Betadine, administer local anaesthesia, and, under CT guidance, gradually advance a fine needle to the target area. The needle’s position will be confirmed using positive or negative contrast, and then a mixture of cortisone and local anaesthesia will be injected.
Common Risks and Complications
Complications can include:
- Bleeding or bruising, particularly if you take blood thinners
- Neck/back pain from the needle insertion
- Minor pain, bruising, or infection at the injection site
- Radiculopathy/radiating nerve pain due to the injection's pressure effect on the nerve
- Failure of steroid/local anaesthetic, requiring a further injection or different treatment method
Less common complications
Less common complications include
- Infection, requiring antibiotics and further treatment
- Allergic reactions to injected steroid/local anaesthetics, contrast, or antiseptic used for skin disinfec-tion, requiring further treatment
- Adverse effects from the injected steroids, including insomnia, increased blood sugar, nightmares, and nervousness
- Receiving Your Results
The results of your scan will be forwarded to your clinician.
Contact Us
Should you have any questions or require any assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is committed to supporting you and your patients every step of the way.