Evaluating ultrasound-guided cervical joint injections for neck pain
Official title: The Incidence of Inadvertent Intravascular Injection During Ultrasound-guided Cervical Medial Branch Blocks: a Fluoroscopically Controlled Study
Run by Montreal General Hospital · NCT06731920 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if using ultrasound to guide neck injections can help prevent problems from hitting blood vessels in people with neck pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Montreal General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kelowna, British Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 2026 |
| Study ends | August 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 13, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06731920 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are consenting patients over 19 years of age who are undergoing ultrasound-guided cervical medial branch blocks as part of their usual care.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with known bleeding disorders, those on certain anticoagulant medications, or individuals unable to visualize targeted structures on ultrasound may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the safety of ultrasound-guided cervical medial branch blocks (CMBB) in patients with cervicalgia. It aims to determine the frequency of intravascular injections during these procedures, which can lead to false negative diagnostic results. By utilizing digital subtraction angiography (DSA), the study will assess the effectiveness of ultrasound guidance in avoiding blood vessels during needle placement. The findings could provide valuable insights into the safety and efficacy of this newer imaging technique compared to traditional fluoroscopy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the safety of cervical joint injections, leading to more accurate diagnoses and better management of neck pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have suggested a lower incidence of vascular breach with ultrasound guidance, indicating potential success for this approach, though further confirmatory studies are needed.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Consenting patients over 19 years of age undergoing an ultrasound-guided cervical medial branch blocks as part of their usual care. Exclusion Criteria: Subjects with one or more of the following characteristics will be excluded from the study: Known bleeding disorder or coagulopathy Patients on antiplatelet medication other than aspirin and those on anticoagulants (coumadin, AT III agents) Inability to visualize targeted structures on ultrasound Known allergy to contrast agents
Where it's running
-
Bill Nelems Pain and Research Centre
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Roderick J Finlayson, MD — University of British Columbia
- Study coordinator: Roderick J Finlayson, MD
- Email: roderick.finlayson@mac.com
- Phone: 250-860-9754
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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SCENAR therapy for chronic neck pain
This study tests whether repeating SCENAR therapy can reduce disability and pain for adults with long-standing non-specific neck pain.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.