International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access

Abstract

Ultrasound-Guided Cervical Medial Branch Blocks: A Technical Review

Atikun Thonnagith, Maria Francisca Elgueta, Pornpan Chalermkitpanit, De QH Tran and Roderick J Finlayson

Cervical medial branch blocks are commonly performed for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic neck pain and headaches. Although fluoroscopy constitutes the imaging standard for these procedures, recent evidence suggests that ultrasound guidance (USG) can provide similar accuracy coupled with shorter performance times. Moreover the ability to visualize soft tissue structures allows the operator to detect and avoid blood vessels, thus reducing complications related to vascular breach. In this review article, we discussed the technical considerations and evidence supporting the use of USG for cervical medial branch and third occipital nerve blocks.