Inadvertent intravascular injection has been suggested as the most probable mechanism behind serious neurological complications during transforaminal epidural steroid injections. There is the notion that a smaller gauge needle may lead to less intravascular uptake and less pain. The aim of the study was to quantify the difference between a 22-gauge needle and 25-gauge needle during lumbosacral transforaminal epidural steroid injection in regards to intravascular uptake and pain perception.
The aim of the study was to quantify the difference between a 22-gauge needle and 25-gauge needle during lumbosacral epidural steroid injection in regards to intravascular uptake and pain perception. There is the notion that a smaller gauge needle may lead to less intravascular uptake and less pain.