Cervical medial branch block Procedure, Recovery time, Side effects, Fluoroscopy, CPT code

Content:

• What is Cervical medial branch block? 
• Cervical medial branch block Procedure
• Cervical medial branch block Recovery time
• Cervical medial branch block Side effects
• Cervical medial branch block Fluoroscopy
• Cervical medial branch block CPT code 

Cervical medial branch block 

Cervical medial branch block (CMBB) emerges as a vital diagnostic and therapeutic tool in pain management, particularly for individuals grappling with chronic neck pain originating from facet joint dysfunction.

 

Cervical medial branch block Procedure

CMBB is a minimally invasive procedure executed to diagnose and alleviate neck pain stemming from the cervical facet joints. Facet joints are small joints located along the posterior aspect of the spine, contributing to spinal stability and facilitating movement. The procedure involves the precise injection of local anesthetic and sometimes a steroid medication into the medial branch nerves that innervate the facet joints. These injections temporarily disrupt the transmission of pain signals from the facet joints to the brain, aiding in pain relief and allowing clinicians to ascertain the origin of the pain.

During the procedure, patients typically lie prone on an examination table, and the skin overlying the targeted area is cleansed and sterilized. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a specialized needle is inserted near the medial branch nerves, and the medication is administered. Fluoroscopy, a real-time X-ray imaging technique, ensures accurate needle placement and enhances the safety and efficacy of the procedure.

Cervical medial branch block Recovery time

Following a CMBB procedure, patients may experience temporary numbness or weakness in the neck or surrounding areas due to the effects of the local anesthetic. However, these sensations typically dissipate within a few hours. Patients are usually monitored for a brief period after the procedure to ensure their safety before being discharged. It is advisable to arrange for transportation home, as driving immediately after the procedure may not be recommended due to potential lingering effects of the anesthesia.

In terms of pain relief, the duration of benefit from a CMBB procedure can vary among individuals. Some patients may experience immediate relief that lasts for several hours or days, while others may require multiple injections or additional treatments for sustained pain management.

Cervical medial branch block Side effects

While CMBB is generally considered safe, like any medical procedure, it carries some potential risks and side effects. Common side effects may include temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site, minor bleeding, or allergic reactions to the medications used. In rare cases, more serious complications such as nerve injury, infection, or allergic reactions to the injected substances may occur. Patients should promptly report any unusual symptoms or adverse reactions to their healthcare provider for appropriate management.

Cervical medial branch block Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy plays a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy and precision of CMBB procedures. By providing real-time imaging guidance, fluoroscopy enables healthcare providers to visualize the targeted anatomy, including the cervical facet joints and surrounding structures, and navigate the needle with precision to the intended location. This enhances the safety and efficacy of the procedure, minimizes the risk of complications, and increases the likelihood of successful pain relief outcomes for patients.

Cervical medial branch block CPT code 

In the United States, the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code commonly used to report a cervical medial branch block procedure is 64490. This code specifies the injection of anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid into one or more cervical facet joint(s) or nerves innervating the joint(s), including imaging guidance when performed. Healthcare providers use CPT codes to accurately document and bill for medical procedures and services rendered, facilitating reimbursement from insurance providers and ensuring proper coding and billing practices.