Introduction: Chronic neck and back pain are highly prevalent and are cited as the most common reason for time missed from work. Interventional pain procedures such as epidural steroid injections have been used in appropriately selected patients. Complications of epidural steroid injections include epidural hematoma, epidural infection, paraplegia, and death. We present two cases, one of acute epidural hematoma and the other of intramedullary air injection during epidural steroid injection.

Methods: Case Series

Results: Case 1: An 86 year old man with history of atrial fibrillation on Coumadin underwent fluoroscopic guidance midline C6-7 epidural steroid injection for chronic neck pain, utilizing loss-of-resistance technique (Figure 1). Patient developed acute-onset weakness and diminished sensation in all 4 extremities. An emergent MRI demonstrated acute epidural hematoma (Figure 2). Patient underwent decompression and was subsequently discharged to rehab. Case 2: An 83 year old female with remote history of C6-7 ACDF presents with intractable neck pain and right upper extremity radiculopathy. Limited systemic monitored anesthesia was provided and fluoroscopic x-ray was used to confirm localization for the injection. After completion of the procedure, she developed acute plegia of the left arm and both legs. An MRI of the cervical spine demonstrated an intramedullary hypointensity on T1- and T2-weighted sequences extending from C2-6 (Figure 3), consistent with intramedullary air. Within the next few hours, the patient recovered all strength in her lower extremities; however, she remained plegic without sensation in her left upper extremity with a left partial horner’s syndrome. Patient was discharged to rehab.

Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of mastery of the anatomical considerations and radiographic localization of the epidural space during fluoroscopic injections. It is critical that all patients with post-procedural neurological deficits following epidural steroid injection be evaluated with imaging as immediate surgical decompression can lead to neurological recovery in select cases.

Patient Care: Our research will improve patient care by raising awareness of the potentially serious side effects of invasive pain management procedures, including epidural injections, with the aim of preventing similar incidents in the future. This presentation also stresses the importance of obtaining immediate imaging, as select cases may benefit from immediate surgical intervention

Learning Objectives: By the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to: 1) Discuss serious side effects of epidural injections, 2) Discuss conservative and invasive means for treating chronic pain, 3) Understand anatomic landmarks of the cervical spine and limitations of fluoroscopic guidance for ensuring proper positioning during epidural injection

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