Costovertebral Joint Block

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.

PROCEDURE SUMMARY
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.

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.

EXPECTED PROCEDURE TIME
Fifteen to thirty minutes.

Please click on these links to learn more about the options you have for pain management:

• Radiofrequency Ablation
• Discogram
• Epidural Anesthetic Block And Steroid Injection
• Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB)
• Facet Block
• Costovertebral Joint Block
• Sympathetic Nerve Block
• Stellate Ganglion Block (Cervical Sympathetic Block)
• Medial Branch Rhizotomy
• Medial Branch Rhizotomy With Pulsed Radiofrequency