Which of the following is a risk of cervical discography?

Cervical discography involves the injection of contrast material into the cervical disc space to evaluate disc pathology. One of the significant risks associated with this procedure is the potential for injuring nearby vascular structures, including the carotid artery. The carotid arteries are located in close proximity to the cervical spine, and improper needle placement can lead to puncturing these vessels, which can result in serious complications such as hematoma formation, carotid artery dissection, or stroke.

This risk is particularly pertinent when considering the anatomy of the cervical region, where the close proximity of various structures necessitates precision in needle placement. Understanding anatomy and the possible consequences of intervention aids practitioners in minimizing risks during cervical discography. Thus, identifying the risk of puncturing the carotid artery is crucial for practitioners and informs the safety protocols during the procedure.

Factors such as pneumothorax are more commonly associated with thoracic interventions, while infections of the spinal cord are rare and typically related to more invasive procedures like surgeries rather than discography. Allergic reactions to contrast media are also a consideration but are generally much less severe in the context of this specific procedure compared to vascular complications.