Sonographically guided caudal epidural steroid injections

J Ultrasound Med. 2003 Nov;22(11):1229-32. doi: 10.7863/jum.2003.22.11.1229.

Abstract

Objective: Caudal epidural steroid injections are used for the symptomatic treatment of radicular lumbosacral pain syndromes, but incorrect injection placement has been recognized as a common problem with the routinely used unguided technique. We aimed to explore the use of sonography to facilitate this procedure.

Methods: In patients with clinically unreliable anatomic landmarks, high-resolution real-time sonography was used to identify those landmarks and to assist in correct needle placement.

Results: Sonography enabled localization of the sacral hiatus landmarks. We found this method particularly useful for guiding needle placement in patients with moderate obesity.

Conclusions: Real-time sonography can facilitate caudal epidural steroid injections.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Epidural*
  • Middle Aged
  • Sciatica / drug therapy*
  • Steroids / administration & dosage*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional*

Substances

  • Steroids