Reliability of MRI and Ultrasound in Cervical Epidural Needle Depth Estimation
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Needle Depth Measurement Using MRI, Ultrasound, and Fluoroscopy.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Chronic Neck Pain, Radicular Pain, Cervical Epidural Injection. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Reliability of MRI and Ultrasound in Predicting Needle Depth During Cervical Epidural Injections: a Methodological Observational Study
Overview
This study aims to evaluate the reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (USG) in predicting needle depth during cervical epidural injections, compared to fluoroscopy. The goal is to identify alternative imaging methods that reduce radiation exposure while maintaining procedural accuracy and patient safety.
Detailed description
Cervical epidural steroid injections (CESI) are commonly used to manage chronic neck and radicular pain. Accurate needle placement is critical for the success and safety of the procedure. Fluoroscopy is the standard method for guiding the needle; however, it exposes patients and clinicians to ionizing radiation.
This study compares pre-procedural MRI and USG measurements of needle depth with fluoroscopy-guided needle depth during CESI.
Primary Objective: Assess the agreement between MRI, USG, and fluoroscopy measurements of needle depth using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) within a ±0.3 cm tolerance.
Secondary Objectives: Evaluate the correlation between fluoroscopic lateral imaging frequency and radiation exposure.
The study is a methodological observational study conducted at Ankara Etlik City Hospital, involving adult patients undergoing CESI. Data will be collected retrospectively and prospectively for eligible participants.
Interventions
- Procedure Needle Depth Measurement Using MRI, Ultrasound, and Fluoroscopy
This intervention involves cervical epidural steroid injection (CESI) for patients with chronic neck and radicular pain. Needle depth is measured pre-procedurally using MRI and ultrasound to predict the ideal needle placement. Fluoroscopy is used during the procedure to confirm and compare these measurements, aiming to evaluate the accuracy of imaging techniques and minimize radiation exposure.
Primary outcome measures
- Accuracy of Needle Depth Prediction Using MRI and Ultrasound Compared to Fluoroscopy in Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections [Time frame: 1 day (during the procedure)]
Secondary outcome measures (1)
- Radiation Exposure During Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections [Time frame: 1 day (during the procedure)]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
Age ≥ 18 years, Diagnosed with chronic cervical pain, Referred for cervical epidural steroid injection, Patients capable of providing informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
Age < 18 years, Pregnancy or breastfeeding, History of coagulation disorders or use of anticoagulants, Severe systemic infections or local infections at the injection site, Known allergy to steroids or local anesthetics, Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, Patients with spinal tumors or significant spinal deformities, Previous cervical spine surgery, Cognitive impairment preventing informed consent or follow-up participation.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center
- Ankara Etlik City Hospital — Ankara
Publications
- Pak MH, Lee WH, Ko YK, So SY, Kim HJ. Ultrasonographic measurement of the ligamentum flavum depth; is it a reliable method to distinguish true and false loss of resistance? Korean J Pain. 2012 Apr;25(2):99-104. doi: 10.3344/kjp.2012.25.2.99. Epub 2012 Apr 4. PMID 22514777
Identifiers
NCT: NCT06747663 · Ankara Etlik City Hospital · AEŞH-BADEK-2024-1133