Objective: The objective of this retrospective study was to examine the efficacy of fluoroscopically guided cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injections (CILESI).
Materials and methods: Sixty-five patients who received their first fluoroscopically guided CILESI over a 12 month interval were retrospectively identified. Patients who had failed conservative non-surgical management and patients who were otherwise candidates of surgery were included in this trial of CILESI. The verbal numerical rating scales (VNRS) before the treatment, within one hour after the treatment, and upon follow-up, were analyzed.
Results: The most preferred intervention level of CILESI was C5-C6. There was a statistically significant improvement in the VNRS scores from before the injection to immediately after the injection, and upon follow-up. Fifty-one patients (80%) had perfect/good scores. No major complications were encountered after CILESI, but one patient (1.54%) had a vasovagal reaction and another patient (1.54%) had a transient increase of pain after injection.
Conclusion: Fluoroscopy guided CILESI is a safe and an effective treatment for patients with cervical pain syndromes. The success rates show that a large percentage of the patients may obtain relief from radicular symptoms and avoid surgery for the follow-up period up to 12 months.