NCT06747663

Reliability of MRI and Ultrasound in Cervical Epidural Needle Depth Estimation

Reliability of MRI and Ultrasound in Predicting Needle Depth During Cervical Epidural Injections: a Methodological Observational Study

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 90 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Damla Yürük · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Chronic Neck Pain
• Radicular Pain
• Cervical Epidural Injection

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-01-01
• Primary completion: 2025-06-01
• Completion: 2025-07-01
• First posted: 2024-12-24
• Last updated: 2024-12-24

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)