Costovertebral Block

International Spine Intervention Society - Patient Information

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What is it?
A block that is performed under fluoroscopy to identify the costovertebral joint as the pain generator and decease or relieve pain in that area and out toward the lateral rib cage.

How is it done?
The patient is placed in a prone position and given a local skin anesthetic. Under fluoroscopy the specific costovertebral joint(s) is identified. A needle is placed in that area(s) and an anesthetic and steroid are injected.

How long does it take?
Fifteen to thirty minutes.

Expected Results
Initially, when a needle is inserted in the costovertebral area(s), there will be a reproduction of pain. Following injection of the medications, there may be relief of pain and increased mobility. Duration of relief varies with the individual.

Discogram
SNRB
Epidural
Facet
Sympathetic
Costovertebral
Stellate Ganglion
Neurotomy
Last Updated: 08/12/2007
What is this?
Editorial Board Comments on SpineUniverse
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Peer Review by Leading Specialists

    Christopher P. Silveri, MD

    Judicious use of selective injections can provide both therapeutic and diagnostic benefits. Each shot is tailored to the specific anatomical area in question and should never be combined in the same sitting. Each shot should be performed to confirm or rule out a potential site of pain generation. In such an organized fashion a spine specialist may be able to clarify what was previously a diagnostic dilemma.
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