What is the appropriate gauge of the needle used for cervical discography?

The appropriate gauge for the needle used in cervical discography is typically 23 gauge. This size strikes a balance between being sufficiently large to allow for the injection of contrast material into the intervertebral disc while also being thin enough to minimize patient discomfort during the procedure.

In cervical discography, precise placement of the needle is crucial for effective imaging and diagnostic results. A 23-gauge needle provides an optimal compromise, allowing for adequate flow rates of the contrast medium required to visualize the disc structure, while also reducing the risk of complications such as bleeding or nerve injury, which can occur with larger gauge needles.

Using a needle that is too large could increase the risk of damage to the delicate structures in the cervical region, while a needle that is too small might not allow for the proper delivery of the contrast material, potentially leading to suboptimal imaging outcomes. Hence, the 23 gauge is considered the standard choice in this context.