Transforaminal injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma for lumbar disc herniation: A single-center prospective study in Vietnam

ObjectiveLumbar radiculopathy is a major health problem, which often treated by neurosurgery or guided lumbar epidural steroids for pain relief. We used autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) as a novel pharmaceutical agent that has strongly emerged in recent years to treat patients of lumbar disc herniation. From that, we evaluated the efficacy of PRP via transforaminal route in treatment of radicular pain in patients with lumbar disc herniation.MethodsTwenty-five patients were enrolled and injected with 4 ml of autologous platelet rich plasma under fluoroscopic guidance via transforaminal epidural injection into area of affected nerve root. They were followed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Straight Leg Raising Test (SLRT) for clinical assessment.ResultsPatients who received transforaminal injections with autologous PRP showed statistically significant improvements on all three evaluation tools (VAS, ODI, SLRT). The improvements were sustained over twelve-month follow-up and there were no associated complications.ConclusionTransforaminal injection with autologous PRP helps patients relieve chronic pains and be able return to work. Besides, autologous PRP can be considered as a good alternative to epidural steroids in management of lumbar disc herniation.     

Risk factors for outcome and complications of dorsal foraminotomy in cervical disc herniation

BACKGROUND: Dorsal foraminotomy is a standard operative procedure for lateral cervical disc herniation. Factors associated with surgical complications and clinical outcome in dorsal foraminotomy of cervical disc herniation were evaluated in a retrospective cohort study. METHOD: Thirty-nine patients were operated upon for unilateral, monosegmental, mediolateral cervical disc herniation (+/- associated spondylosis) from 1997 to 1999. Preoperative radiologic imaging and surgical reports were analyzed. Motor disfunction, neck irritation, and radicular pain were evaluated. Outcome was ranked according to modified Odom's criteria at 6 weeks and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: Six weeks after injury 7 of 39 patients (18%) showed neck irritation. No new neurologic deficit was seen. All patients with preoperative paresis improved; two had early relapses of a medial soft disc prolapse (2/39). Residual radicular pain was seen in 3 of 39 patients (8%) within 30 days postoperatively, necessitating surgical revision. Factors of surgical failure were associated spondylosis (2/3) and residual mediolateral disc protrusion (1/3). In one patient with associated spondylosis, local pain due to a symptomatic fracture of the lateral process of D1 resolved after revision. Duration of preoperative radicular pain was identified as a risk factor for unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSION: In lateral cervical disc herniation, associated spondylosis or medial disc protrusion poses a significant risk of surgical failure and complications of dorsal foraminotomy. Reducing the radicular failure rate by enlarging the bony decompression may lead to local failure. In well-selected patients with a lateral cervical free disc fragment, dorsolateral foraminotomy is successful and safe.     

Transforaminal steroid injections for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy: a prospective and randomised study

Steroid injections are often employed as an alternative treatment for radicular pain in patients with degenerative spinal disorders. Prospective randomised studies of the lumbar spine reveal contradictory results and non-randomised and most often retrospective studies of the cervical spine indicate pain reduction from steroid injections. No prospective randomised study on transforaminal steroid injections for the treatment of radicular pain in the cervical spine focusing on short-term results has been performed. Forty consecutive patients were employed for the study. The inclusion criteria were one-sided cervical radiculopathy with radicular distribution of arm pain distal to the elbow and corresponding significant degenerative pathology of the cervical spine at one or two levels on the same side as the radicular pain and visualised by MRI. A transforaminal technique was used for all injections. A positive response to a diagnostic selective nerve root block at one or two nerve roots was mandatory for all patients. The patients were randomised for treatment with steroids/local anaesthetics or saline/local anaesthetic. Only the neuroradiologist performing the blocks was aware of the content of the injection; all other persons involved in the study were blinded. Follow up was made 3 weeks after the randomised treatment by a clinical investigation and with a questionnaire focusing on the subjective effects from the injections. At follow up, there were no differences in treatment results in the two patient groups. Statistical analysis of the results confirmed the lack of difference in treatment effect. Further studies have to be performed before excluding steroids in such treatment and for evaluating the influence of local anaesthetics on radiculopathy in transforaminal injections.     

Anterior cervical foraminotomy for unilateral radicular disease

STUDY DESIGN: A clinical series of patients with unilateral radiculopathy treated with the anterior cervical foraminotomy procedure. OBJECTIVE: To establish procedural techniques and clinical and radiologic outcomes for the anterior cervical foraminotomy procedure. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cervical radiculopathy is typically caused by unilateral disc herniation or uncovertebral osteophytes that compress the ventral aspect of the nerve. Direct removal of a cervical lesion causing radicular symptoms without concomitant fusion seems to be an ideal treatment in selected patients. The indications for an anterior cervical neural foraminotomy are limited to unilateral radicular symptoms at one or two levels, with minimal neck pain. METHODS: Twenty-one patients were treated with the anterior cervical neural foraminotomy procedure during a 3-year period with follow-up from 6 to 36 months. There were 13 men and 8 women (age range, 27-58 years). Fourteen patients had symptomatic soft disc herniation, and 7 had uncovertebral osteophytes confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and/or myelogram and computed tomography. Sixteen patients had a single anterior cervical neural foraminotomy, and 5 had procedures at adjacent levels. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (91%) had improved or resolved radicular symptoms, and 2 (9%) had persistent radicular symptoms necessitating further surgery (one two-level anterior cervical neural discectomy and fusion and one posterior foraminal decompression). CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with the anterior cervical neural foraminotomy procedure have equivalent or better outcomes than those who undergo current cervical procedures. It appears to be a good alternative procedure for carefully selected patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy and avoids a fusion of the disc space.     

Management of pain syndroms related to cervical herniated disc]

Neck pain is common. Conservative treatment is usually successful. Cervical radiculopaty is usually caused by a disc herniation. Conservative treatment is generally successful, however surgery is indicated if radicular pain is severe and persistent for more than 6 to 12 wk. Spinal cord compression and long-tract symptoms may be caused by a central cervical disc herniation, treatment is by anterior disc excision, bone grafting or metal fusion cages. Confirmation of the clinical level of disc herniation must be made by imaging (CT and (or) MRI). With proper patient selection, surgery for cervical disc herniation can be expected to lead to excellent results in the majority of patients (80-90%).     

Clinical long-term results of anterior discectomy without interbody fusion for cervical disc disease

There were 55 patients (soft disc, 21 and spondylosis, 34) who underwent anterior cervical discectomy without fusion (ACD) using an operating microscope. Discectomy of a single level was performed on 48 cases and two levels on 7. There were 37 patients with radiculopathy, and 18 patients with myelopathy or myeloradiculopathy who were followed clinically for 2-13 years postoperatively. Overall 81% of patients were improved in soft disc herniation, and no significant differences were noted between the group of radiculopathy and myelopathy. In spondylosis all but one patient reported initial relief of their preoperative symptoms; however, overall improvement was noted in only 16 patients (47%). The causes of symptomatic deterioration after ACD for spondylosis were later symptomatic recurrence in 5 patients, severe neck pain in 4, and development of new symptoms due to adjacent spur formation in 2. The authors eventually added interbody fusion in 4 cases. Cervical spine roentgenograms almost always showed a loss of height of the interspace and an anterior angulation immediately after ACD, but the alignment of the spine tended to improve with time, so that, at last follow-up, 82% had a good alignment. A spontaneous osseous fusion occurred in 74% of cases. An adjacent spur formation was observed in 3 patients with spondylosis. The most troublesome complication was neck and/or scapular pain. This pain usually subsided spontaneously, but this continued for more than 4 years postoperatively in 4 patients with spondylosis. Using an operating microscope ACD is a safe and effective procedure for patients with soft disc herniation, but the authors still prefer anterior cervical discectomy with interbody fusion for the patients with advanced spondylosis.     

Cerebellar herniation after cervical transforaminal epidural injection

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to inform readers of potential catastrophic complications associated with performing cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections. CASE REPORT: A 31-year-old man presented to the pain clinic with a history of cervical radicular pain and right upper-extremity radicular symptoms. He was referred from the orthopedic spine clinic for evaluation for epidural steroid injection, having failed conservative treatment consisting of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, oral steroids, and physical therapy. After undergoing a transforaminal epidural steroid injection at the right C8 nerve root, he developed a cerebellar infarct and brainstem herniation. He survived but has residual deficits of persistent diplopia on right lateral gaze and difficulties with short-term memory loss and concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Although transforaminal epidural steroid injections are an efficacious treatment for radicular syndromes, there can be catastrophic complications. In light of the growing body of similar case reports, further investigation is warranted to establish a safe protocol for the use of this modality.     

Reliability of cervical radiculopathy,its congruence between patient history and medical imaging evidence of disc herniation and its role in surgical decision

Background

The incidence of cervical disc herniation is estimated about 5.5/100,000, and they lead to surgical intervention in 26 %. Cervical disc herniation causes radiculopathy, which defines by radicular pain and sensory deficit and maybe weakness following the path of the affected nerves. Classically, cervical radiculopathy is expected to follow its specific dermatome—C4, C5, C6, C7 and C8. We investigate patients who present with discrepancy between classical radiculopathy and imaging findings in the daily practice of our profession.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 102 patients with cervical radiculopathy, caused by cervical disc herniation. All patients had surgery.

Results

We found an apparent discrepancy between clinical and radiological findings, patients complained of radiculopathy on one side, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or CT scan finding on the other side in ten patients (10.2 %). We did not found any other abnormalities in preoperative and post-operative period. All patients underwent cervical diskectomy via anterior approach. Six weeks after surgery eight patients (80 %) recovered completely, and 3 months after all ten patients (100 %) had been relieved totally.

Comparison with existing method

The aim of this paper is review of this medical concept and management of radiculopathy in patients with this discrepancy. As far as we know, the subject has not yet been touched in this light in medical literature.

Conclusion

The discrepancy between clinical radiculopathy and disc herniation level on MRI or on CT scan is not rare. Management of this discrepancy requires further investigation to avoid missing diagnosis and treatment failure.

     

Is there any relationship between proinflammatory mediator levels in disc material and myelopathy with cervical disc herniation and spondylosis? A non-randomized,prospective clinical study

The proinflammatory mediator (PIM) levels were assessed in surgically removed samples of herniated cervical intervertebral discs. The objective of this study was to investigate if there is a correlation between the levels of PIMs in disc material and myelopathy associated with cervical intervertebral disc herniation and spondylosis. The role of proinflammatory mediators in the degeneration of intervertebral disc and the inflammatory effects of disc herniations on radicular pain has been previously published. However, the possible relationship between PIMs and myelopathy related to cervical disc herniation and spondylosis has not been investigated before. Thirty-two patients undergoing surgery for cervical disc herniation and spondylosis were investigated. Surgically obtained disc materials, stored at 70 degrees C, were classified into two groups: cervical disc herniation alone or with myelopathy. Biochemical preparation and solid phase enzyme amplified sensitivity immunoassay (ELISIA) analysis of the samples were performed to assess the concentration of mediators in the samples. Very similar values of interleukin-6 were found in both groups whereas the concentrations of mediators were significantly higher in myelopathy group. This study has demonstrated that PIMs are involved in cervical intervertebral disc degeneration with higher concentrations in the samples associated with myelopathy.     

椎间孔镜治疗有典型根性症状的腰椎手术失败综合征

目的：评价椎间孔镜治疗有典型根性症状的腰椎手术失败综合征（failedbacksurgerysyndrome,FBSS）的临床效果。方法选择2012年11月～2013年6月12例有典型根性症状的FBSS,其中腰椎间盘突出单纯开窗髓核摘除术后复发5例,腰椎管狭窄髓核摘除并神经根管减压术后复发3例,腰椎间盘突出椎间孔镜髓核摘除术后复发4例。均采用椎间孔镜治疗。结果12例术后患肢直腿抬高试验阴性,神经根刺激所致的患肢疼痛症状均明显缓解,患肢疼痛评分依据视觉模拟评分法（visualanaloguescore,VAS）,术前8．3±1．9,术后1个月2．6±1．1（t＝16．301,P＝0．000）。结论椎间孔镜是治疗有典型根性症状的FBSS安全和有效的微创手术,合理选择手术适应证和成熟的椎间孔镜手术经验是保证手术成功的关键。     

Cervical epidural steroid injections: incidence and determinants of subsequent surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXTCervical epidural steroid injections (CESIs) are sometimes used in the management of cervical radicular pain in order to delay or avoid surgery. However, the rate and determinants of surgery following CESIs remain uncertain.PURPOSEThis study sought to determine: (1) the proportion of patients having surgery following CESI, and (2) the timing of and factors associated with subsequent surgery.STUDY DESIGNRetrospective analysis of a large, national administrative claims database.PATIENT SAMPLEThe study included 192,777 CESI patients (age 50.9±11.3 years, 55.2% female) who underwent CESI for imaging-based diagnoses of cervical disc herniation or stenosis, a clinical diagnosis of radiculopathy, or a combination thereof.OUTCOME MEASURESThe primary outcome was the time from index CESI to surgery.METHODSInclusion criteria were CESI for cervical disc herniation, stenosis, or radiculopathy, age ≥18, and active enrollment for 1 year before CESI to screen for exclusions. Patients were followed until they underwent cervical surgery, or their enrollment lapsed. Rates of surgery were assessed with Kaplan-Meier survival curves and 99% confidence intervals. Factors associated with subsequent surgery were assessed with multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.RESULTSWithin 6 months of CESI, 11.2% of patients underwent surgery, increasing to 14.5% by 1 year and 22.3% by 5 years. Male patients and those aged 35 to 54 had an increased likelihood of subsequent surgery. Patients with radiculopathy were less likely to undergo surgery following CESI than those with stenosis or herniation, while patients with multiple diagnoses were more likely. Patients with comorbidities including CHF, other cardiac comorbidities or chronic pain were less likely to undergo surgery, as were patients in the northeast US region. Some 33.5% of patients underwent >1 CESI, with 84.6% of these occurring within 1 year. Additional injections were associated with reduced rates of subsequent surgery.CONCLUSIONSFollowing CESI, over one in five patients underwent surgery within 5 years. Multiple patient-specific risk factors for subsequent surgery were identified, and patients undergoing repeated injections were at lower risk. Determining which patients may progress to surgery can be used to improve resource utilization and to inform shared decision-making.     

Multislice CT fluoroscopy-assisted cervical transforaminal injection of steroids: technical note

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study of 19 consecutive patients who underwent multislice computed tomography (CT)-guided cervical transforaminal steroid injection. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and the outcome of cervical transforaminal steroid injection guided by multislice CT fluoroscopy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cervical transforaminal steroid injection has been accepted as an effective therapeutic modality for radiculopathy that results from a cervical herniated disc or stenosis. However, there has been debate on the safety of the transforaminal approach technique, with C-arm fluoroscopy guidance, compared with the posterior interlaminar approach. We present an advanced approach technique for cervical transforaminal steroid injection guided by multislice CT fluoroscopy and the clinical outcomes. METHODS: Nineteen consecutive patients presenting with radiating pain to the shoulder or arm had CT or magnetic resonance image scan findings compatible with cervical herniated disc or foraminal stenosis and were recruited to participate in this study. They underwent cervical transforaminal steroid injection using multislice CT fluoroscopy guidance up to 3 times with a minimal interval of 2 weeks. The participants were evaluated for the safety and efficacy of this technique for a follow-up period of 16 weeks. RESULTS: No serious complications were found during and after the procedures. Eleven patients received a second steroid injection but none required a third injection over the 16-week follow-up period. The mean visual analog scale score improved significantly at 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The multislice CT fluoroscopy-guided approach is feasible and a safe and effective approach for cervical transforaminal steroid injection. With the advantages of safety for the patient and precise placement of the needle for injection, this technique might be an additional option and may eventually replace the conventional C-arm fluoroscopy-guided cervical transforaminal steroid injection technique.     

Microsurgical posterior herniotomy with en bloc laminoplasty: alternative method for treating cervical disc herniation

OBJECTIVE: At the present time, the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedure is widely accepted for treating cervical disc herniation. Recently, however, several authors have reported new disease due to degeneration of an adjacent segment. On the other hand, posterior discectomy, which can preserve mobility at the affected disc level, has been considered risky and technically difficult, especially for central or paracentral disc herniation. We are performing a new surgical technique, microsurgical posterior herniotomy with en bloc laminoplasty, for patients with myelopathy and radiculomyelopathy caused by cervical disc herniation. METHODS: Here, the surgical outcomes and radiographic changes were retrospectively investigated. Thirty patients (13 patients with myelopathy, 13 patients with radiculomyelopathy, and 4 patients with C5 dissociated motor loss) who underwent this procedure were reviewed. The average age was 50 years (range 31-70 years), and the average follow-up period was 28 months (range 12-76 months). Neurologic improvements were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Scoring System as well as radicular pain and deltoid muscle power. Postoperative axial symptoms were scored, and radiographic changes were noted. RESULTS: The mean JOA score improvement was 74.2% (range 27.3-100%). In all 13 patients, preoperative radicular pain completely resolved after surgery. Deltoid power (in cases of C5 dissociated motor loss) markedly increased postoperatively. Cervical lordosis significantly increased at the time of the last follow-up (P = 0.01). The postoperative axial symptom score significantly correlated with the numbers of opened laminae (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: This technique was safe and effective. Radiographically, the range of motion in the cervical spine and at the affected disc levels was preserved. In the future, this surgical procedure can become an alternative method for cervical disc herniation treatment.     

Percutaneous Intradiscal Aspiration of a Lumbar Vacuum Disc Herniation: A Case Report

We report a case of an 83-year-old gentleman presenting with acute low back pain and radicular left lower extremity pain after golfing. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine revealed a low-signal-density lesion compressing the L5 nerve. A computed tomography scan was then ordered, confirming an extra-foraminal disc protrusion at the L5–S1 level, containing a focus of gas that was compressing the left L5 nerve root and communicating with the vacuum disc at L5–S1. After a failed left L5 transforaminal epidural steroid injection, the patient was brought back for a percutaneous intradiscal aspiration of the vacuum disc gas. This resulted in immediate relief for the patient. A follow-up MRI performed 2 months after the procedure found an approximate 25% reduction in the size of the vacuum disc herniation. Six months after the procedure, the patient remains free of radicular pain. This case report suggests that a percutaneous aspiration of gas from a vacuum disc herniation may assist in the treatment of radicular pain.     

Posterior minimally invasive approaches for the cervical spine

Cervical microendoscopic foraminotomy/discectomy and cervical microendoscopic decompression of stenosis are highly effective, minimally invasive approaches to cervical radiculopathy due to foraminal osteophytes or lateral disc herniation and cervical spondylotic myelopathy, respectively. The operative technique utilized in each of these procedures is described in detail, together with the advantages of the minimally invasive technique over traditional open approaches. Complication avoidance and management is also discussed.     

Treatment of degenerative cervical disc disease with uncoforaminotomy--intermediate clinical outcome

BACKGROUND: Anterior cervical uncoforaminotomy (uncoforaminotomy) is an operative method intended to preserve the functional motion segment of the cervical spine while removing the underlying pathology. Controversy exists concerning the patients best suited for this treatment modality. Furthermore, no long-term outcome analyses have been published. METHODS: Between November 2002 and June 2004, 96 patients underwent single-level uncoforaminotomy in our neurosurgical department for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy. The patients were divided into three groups: A, soft disc; B, hard disc; C, hard and soft disc. Follow-up was performed 2 years after surgery. Clinical outcome was classified according to Odom et al. and to the cervical Oswestry and 11-point box scales for arm and neck pain. RESULTS: Ninety patients (92%) underwent intermediate follow-up examinations at an average of 33 months after surgery. Forty-nine patients were in group A, 24 in group B, and 17 in group C. At discharge, 98% of those in group A, 96% in group B, and 94% in group C showed excellent or good results. In two patients revision surgery was performed within 4 weeks due to recurrent disc herniation. In one patient revision was carried out due to a subcutaneous hematoma. In group B one case of vertebral artery injury occurred. Additionally in one patient of this group revision surgery was performed due to inadequate decompression of the neural foramen. At follow-up 94% of the patients in group A, 89% in group B, and 87% in group C had excellent or good results. The scores on the cervical Oswestry scale and the 11-point-box scale showed no significant differences among the groups. CONCLUSION: Uncoforaminotomy, especially in patients with soft-disc pathologies, is a good operative method for the treatment of radicular pain.     

Successful resolution of signs and symptoms from L4 radiculopathy with spinal manipulation: a case report

The management of a patient with L4 radiculopathy with side posture spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is described. Dramatic improvement both subjectively and objectively followed a short course of SMT of the lumbar spine. This case is used to illustrate aspects of the natural history of lumbar discogenic radiculopathy, safety and effectiveness of SMT for disc herniations, diagnostic imaging, and differentiation of referred vs. radicular pain syndromes. Also included is a short summary of the safety and effectiveness of surgery for lumbar disc herniation. We conclude that side posture SMT in this case was safe and may be effective in the treatment of presumed lumbar spine disc herniation with L4 radiculopathy.     

The course and prognostic factors of symptomatic cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy: a systematic review of the literature

Background contextCervical spine disc herniation is a disabling source of cervical radiculopathy. However, little is known about its course and prognosis. Understanding the course and prognosis of symptomatic cervical disc herniation is necessary to guide patients' expectations and assist clinicians in managing patients.PurposeTo describe the natural history, clinical course, and prognostic factors of symptomatic cervical disc herniations with radiculopathy.Study designSystematic review of the literature and best evidence synthesis.MethodsA systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SportsDiscus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to 2013 was conducted to retrieve eligible articles. Eligible articles were critically appraised using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. The results from articles with low risk of bias were analyzed using best evidence synthesis principles.ResultsWe identified 1,221 articles. Of those, eight articles were eligible and three were accepted as having a low risk of bias. Two studies pertained to course and one study pertained to prognosis. Most patients with symptomatic cervical disc herniations with radiculopathy initially present with intense pain and moderate levels of disability. However, substantial improvements tend to occur within the first 4 to 6 months post-onset. Time to complete recovery ranged from 24 to 36 months in, approximately, 83% of patients. Patients with a workers' compensation claim appeared to have a poorer prognosis.ConclusionsOur best evidence synthesis describes the best available evidence on the course and prognosis of cervical disc herniations with radiculopathy. Most patients with symptomatic cervical spine disc herniation with radiculopathy recover. Possible recurrences and time to complete recovery need to be further studied. More studies are also needed to understand the prognostic factors for this condition.     

Adverse central nervous system sequelae after selective transforaminal block: the role of corticosteroids.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Selective transforaminal epidural injections are frequently employed in the treatment of pain emanating from the spine. Complication rates are typically low and include paresthesia, hematoma, epidural abscess, meningitis, arachnoiditis and inadvertent subdural or subarachnoid injection. Persistent paraplegia after lumbar transforaminal block has been recently reported. Undetected intra-arterial injection has been implicated as a possible cause. PURPOSE: We present a case of massive cerebellar infarction after uneventful selective cervical transforaminal block. Intra-arterial injection of corticosteroid is implicated with focus on particulate size of compound versus blood vessel dimension. Light microscopic data are presented to confirm the potential for embolic vascular occlusion. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Case report; light microscopic data. PATIENT SAMPLE: A patient underwent selective transforaminal block on the right at the C5-C6 level. There was C5-C6 disc herniation documented by magnetic resonance imaging and C6 radiculopathy by electromyographic studies. OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient follow-up from medical office records. METHODS: Needle placement at the C5-C6 foramen on the right was confirmed by biplanar fluoroscopy and injection of contrast medium. Frequent heme-negative aspirations were documented. RESULTS: In this patient, quadriparesis ensued shortly after injection of corticosteroid solution. The patient was admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit and ultimately underwent brainstem decompressive surgery when focal neurologic deficits became evident. Working diagnosis was massive cerebellar infarct. Light microscopic data are presented to illustrate particulate size in corticosteroid solutions and potential for embolic microvascular occlusion. Corticosteroid suspensions (and to a lesser extent solutions) contain large particles capable of occluding metarterioles and arterioles. CONCLUSIONS: We present a case of quadriparesis and brainstem herniation after selective cervical transforaminal block. We propose a potential role for corticosteroid particulate embolus during unintended intra-arterial injection as a potential mechanism.