Lateral C1-2 puncture for cervical myelography. Part II: Recognition of improper injection of contrast material.

The interpretation of cervical metrizamide myelography requires specific anatomic considerations, particularly when the lateral C1-2 puncture technique is employed. Fresh unfixed cervical spine specimens were injected with a mixture of metrizamide and methylene blue. Radiologic examinations of these specimens were compared with a retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive unselected cervical myelograms obtained by lateral C1-2 puncture during the years 1979-1980. Epidural, subdural, subpial, dentate ligament, and spinal cord injections may be encountered when the lateral C1-2 puncture for myelography is employed; possible artifacts from such injection are discussed.