What type of needle access is used for cervical discography?

Cervical discography involves the injection of a contrast agent into the intervertebral disc space to assess disc integrity and pain. The correct access approach in this procedure is the anterior oblique access.

Using an anterior oblique approach allows for optimal visualization and targeting of the cervical discs while minimizing risk to surrounding structures, such as nerves and blood vessels. This method typically involves positioning the needle at an angle that presents a direct line to the disc space, ensuring that the contrast material is accurately delivered into the nucleus pulposus of the disc for evaluation.

In contrast to the anterior oblique approach, other access techniques may not provide the same level of safety or access to the targeted disc space. For instance, a posterior lateral approach might pose a higher risk because it could intersect with critical neural structures. The lateral oblique approach may hinder direct access to the cervical disc spaces due to anatomical positioning. Lastly, the posterior medial approach could also lead to increased risk of complications and is not optimal for the specific access needed when performing cervical discography.

Thus, the anterior oblique access method is considered the standard for accessing cervical discs during discography due to its effectiveness and safety profile.