CT Fluoroscopy–Guided Epidural Injections: Technique and Results

Abstract

Summary: Lumbar epidural injections are typically performed blindly or with fluoroscopic guidance. CT fluoroscopy (CTF) can be used to guide needle placement precisely and rapidly, allowing visualization of the optimal needle path and identifying potential problems such as severe stenosis and synovial cysts before needle insertion. Operator and patient radiation dose is minimal when using the intermittent CTF technique and low mAs. By using this technique, just more than 2000 epidural steroid injections have been performed with no major complications. CTF is a useful guidance tool when performing lumbar epidural injections.