Effectiveness of Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection

Transforaminal epidural steroid injection: Injection of 1 to 2 mL of 1% lidocaine to the skin and subcutaneous tissues, a 25-gauge spinal needle will be placed at the level and side of radicular pathology, based on clinical correlation of symptoms/signs and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Advancement to the appropriate target position in the neuroforamen will be performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Satisfactory target position achieved and confirmed in both anterior-posterior and oblique views, 0.5 to 1 mL of contrast will be injected under live fluoroscopic observation with or without digital subtraction angiography depending on suggestion of vascular uptake. Upon confirmation of a satisfactory epidural contrast pattern without vascular uptake, the injectate will be delivered: dexamethasone sodium phosphate 1mL (10mg/mL) and 0.5 ml of 1% preservative-free lidocaine (total volume 1.5 mL).