Work

Early outcomes from intra-articular lateral C1-2 joint steroid injections: A retrospective case series

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: The C1-2 joint is a unique structure that when arthritic, can cause pain and restrictions in cervical rotation. Steroid injections into the lateral C1-2 joint can be performed, but the literature on outcomes is limited. Objective: To describe one tertiary spine center's outcomes in treating presumed C1-2 joint pain via intra-articular steroid injections over a recent 10-year period. Methods: Consecutive patients were identified using an institutional research repository database tool with the search terminology "C1-2", "atlantoaxial joint", or "AA joint" from January 2014 to January 2024. Patients were included in the analysis if they had received a C1-2 joint steroid injection and early follow-up outcomes were available in the electronic medical record system. Results: Outcome data was available on 52 patients over a 10-year period. Success was defined as ≥50 % improvement in the NRS pain score. Nineteen patients (37 % [95 % CI: 24-50 %]) reported a successful outcome at two weeks post-procedure. Longer-term outcomes data was not available. Discussion/conclusion: Intra-articular lateral C1-2 joint steroid injections may provide modest short-term pain relief in some patients with presumed C1-2 joint pain.

Source: Interventional Pain Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.inpm.2026.100737

Authors: Matthew W. Kaufman, Gerald Yeung, Joshua Rittenberg, Lisa Huynh, Matthew Smuck, Joshua Levin

Institutions: Stanford Medicine, Stanford University, University of California, San Francisco, University of California San Francisco Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,400