Accuracy of Caudal Epidural Injection: The Importance of Real-Time Imaging |
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Authors: | Atilla Ergin MD ; Omer Yanarates MD ; Ali Sizlan MD ; M Emin Orhan MD ; Ercan Kurt MD ; M Erdal Guzeldemir MD |
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Institution: | Gulhane Military Medical Faculty, Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Ankara, Turkey |
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Abstract: | Abstract: Caudal epidural steroid injections are often used for low back pain. Fluoroscopic guidance has been frequently cited as a requirement for this procedure. In this preliminary report, we demonstrate that fluoroscopic guidance for caudal epidural Tuohy needle placement without real-time imaging may result in inadvertent intravenous injection of the drug. We detected intravenous leakage of the drug in 4 cases of 10 when real-time fluoroscopic imaging was used. Thus, real-time imaging may be recommended in addition to routine fluoroscopic guidance for caudal epidural procedures, as it may improve efficacy and safety by assuring accurate drug deposition. |
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Keywords: | epidural caudal intravascular injection |
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