A Comparison Study Between Contrast Spread and Loss of Resistance Techniques

Early epidural space identification is critical to the efficacy and safety of cervical epidural steroid injections (CESI) \[1\]. Currently, the accepted method for epidural space recognition is the loss of resistance technique (LORT). I perform CESIs with fluoroscopy only \[2\]. I hypothesized that the contrast spread technique (CST) might recognize epidural space concurrently with or sooner than LORT. I also suggested that smaller needles might be employed with CST but not with LORT. To test my hypotheses, I conducted a comparison study.