High spinal anaesthesia during local anaesthetic skin infiltration at the cervical facet joint

Abstract

Facet joint injections are generally safe to perform with a low incidence of adverse events. There are few published reports of neurological complications occurring following procedures at the facet joint or cervical epidural space. However, complications from local anaesthetic infiltration to the skin and surrounding tissue have not been reported. We report a case of transient tetraplegia after local anaesthetic infiltration to the skin in preparation for cervical facet joint injection. We discuss potential reasons for this complication and suggest practice modifications which could reduce the risk.