PMC5253167_01
(a) MRI of the cervical spine showed degenerative changes observed at C2 (thin arrow). Multilevel disc desiccation at C2-C5 without disc height loss; C2-C3 and C3-C4 disc bulge with uncovertebral joint hypertrophy and spinal canal stenosis (fat arrows) were noted. (b) Open-mouth view of atlantoaxial joint confirmed bilateral intra-articular RFN needle placement (arrows) into the AA joint.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the cervical spine was positive for degenerative changes in the cervical spine, multilevel disc desiccation at C2-C5 without disc height loss, C2-C3 and C3-C4 disc bulge with uncovertebral joint hypertrophy and bilateral neural foraminal narrowing, and spinal canal stenosis (Figure 1(a)). The needle was then slightly withdrawn and reinserted carefully into the joint (Figure 1(b)).
(a) Changes in visual analog pain score before procedure, and up to 12 weeks after procedure. (b) Changes in neck disability index, given as a percentage, before procedure and up to 12 weeks after procedure. A decrease of 10% from baseline score was used as an indicator of treatment success.
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By 8 and 12 weeks after the procedure, she rated her pain score lower than at baseline and with the most optimal score observed at week 12 (Figure 2(a)) with score of 7. However, NDI continued to decrease, with a clinically meaningful difference detected at week 12 (Figure 2(b)).
SF-36 scores in quality of life measures, before procedure and up to 12 weeks after procedure. A 50% improvement from baseline scores was used as an indicator of treatment success.
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