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C1-2 arthrography

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Abstract

Objective

To describe the technique of Cl-2 arthrography and recommend it as a suitable treatment for pain due to C1-2 abnormalities.

Materials and methods

One hundred patients with the following conditions were studied: cervical pain or neuralgia without radiographie changes (group 1, n=23), osteoarthritis (group 2, n=37), rheumatoid arthritis (group 3, n=23), ankylosing spondylarthritis (group 4, n=5) and diverse conditions (group 5, n=12). The technique consists of lateral puncture of the posterior aspect of the Cl-2 joint with a 20-gauge needle under fluoroscopic control, arthrography using 1 ml contrast medium, and a 1-ml long-acting steroid injection subsequently.

Results

The articular cavity has an anterior and a posterior recess. Sometimes the posterior recess is large. In 18% of cases the contralateral joint also opacifies.

Conclusion

Cl-2 arthrography appears to be an efficient and safe technique for the treatment of upper cervical pain due to Cl-2 articular disorders.

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Chevrot, A., Cermakova, E., Vallée, C. et al. C1-2 arthrography. Skeletal Radiol. 24, 425–429 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00941238

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00941238

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