Reliability of MRI and Ultrasound in Cervical Epidural Needle Depth Estimation

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.

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.