C1-2 ARTHROGRAPHY

Objective. To describe the technique of C1-2 arthrography and recommen d it as a suitable treatment for pain due to C1-2 abnormalities. Mater ials and methods. One hundred patients with the following conditions w ere studied: cervical pain or neuralgia without radiographic changes ( group 1, n = 23), osteoarthritis (group 2, n = 37), rheumatoid arthrit is (group 3, n = 23), ankylosing spondylarthritis (group 4, n = 5) and diverse conditions (group 5, n = 12). The technique consists of later al puncture of the posterior aspect of the C1-2 joint with a 20-gauge needle under fluoroscopic control, arthrography using 1 mi contrast me dium, and a 1-ml long-acting steroid injection subsequently. Results. The articular cavity has an anterior and a poste rior recess. Sometime s the posterior recess is large. In 18% of cases the contralateral joi nt also opacifies. Conclusion. C1-2 arthrography appears to be an effi cient and safe technique for the treatment of upper cervical pain due to C1-2 articular disorders.