CT guided injection
Persistent pain caused by irritation or compression of a nerve can affect your movement and make everyday activities more difficult. A CT guided injection uses detailed CT images to accurately guide medication into the area suspected to be causing your pain.
Specialist expertise
Our consultants use their clinical experience to assess your symptoms and identify the area that may be contributing to your pain. They'll explain whether a CT guided injection is appropriate for you and what to expect.
Precise CT guidance
CT uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of your body, allowing your consultant to guide the injection to the specific area being treated.
Personalised care
We'll take the time to understand your needs, explain the procedure clearly and support you throughout your appointment and recovery.
Understanding the Procedure
What is a CT guided injection?
CT (Computed Tomography) uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of your body. During a CT guided injection, these images are used to direct an injection into the area suspected to be the source of your pain.
What are the benefits of a CT guided injection?
A CT guided injection can help reduce pain associated with irritated or compressed nerves by delivering medication directly into the affected area, commonly in the neck, legs or back.
Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing for your CT guided injection
Before your appointment, please inform your referrer, consultant, or GP if you are taking blood-thinning or antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, or rivaroxaban, as these may need to be temporarily paused beforehand, and your procedure may be postponed if they cannot be safely stopped. Additionally, let your care team know as soon as possible if you are taking antibiotics or have taken them within two weeks of your appointment. Finally, if there is any possibility you could be pregnant, please contact us prior to your visit, as CT scans are generally not recommended during pregnancy unless medically urgent.
Before your CT guided injection
When you arrive, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown before your procedure. The consultant performing the injection will review your consent form with you, explain the process, and address any questions or concerns you may have, ensuring you feel fully informed and comfortable before confirming your consent.
During your CT guided injection
During your procedure, you will be asked to lie on the CT table in a position tailored to the specific injection site, and it is important to stay as still as possible; please let your radiographer know if you need any adjustments to make you more comfortable. A marker will be placed on your skin to perform an initial planning scan, after which the exact injection location will be marked. Once local anaesthetic is applied, your consultant will use precise CT guidance to place the needle and administer a combination of anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication. The entire process typically takes between 20 and
After your CT guided injection
Immediately following your injection, you may experience a sudden, temporary relief from pain due to the local anaesthetic, which typically lasts for a few hours. As the anaesthetic wears off, your symptoms may temporarily worsen for a few days due to minor needle bruising and initial steroid irritation; if this flare-up persists, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can help ease the discomfort. The steroid generally begins to take full effect within three to five days, leading to noticeable relief. You can return to your normal daily routine as soon as you feel comfortable, though you must avoid driving for 24 hours post-procedure due to potential temporary numbness or tingling. As always, if you experience any concerning symptoms, please seek prompt medical advice.
Safety & Results
What are the risks?
As with any procedure, CT guided injections carry some risks. These are rare, but may include:
- Bleeding after the injection
- Infection around the injection site
- A headache lasting for a few days if the fluid sac surrounding the nerves is ruptured
- Spinal cord damage, which is extremely rare
- Your consultant will discuss the potential risks with you before your procedure and answer any questions you may have. Please seek medical advice if you experience any symptoms that concern you.
Reporting and results
- Your images will be stored securely on our picture archiving and communication system (PACS), allowing radiologists and consultants at Fortius and elsewhere to access them.
- A report from your examination will be available on PACS and sent to your referrer or consultant. All patient information is protected and stored using strict security measures.
- You'll automatically receive an email link to your images within two to three hours of your appointment. If you don't receive the link or need help accessing your images, please email pacsadmin@fortiusclinic.com.
- If you have any questions about receiving your results or your next steps, please speak to our Reception or Appointments teams, your referrer or your consultant's secretary.
Our Experts in CT Guided Injections
CT Guided Injections FAQs
If you are between 12 and 55 years old, you may be asked if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please let your consultant, referrer and radiographer know. In some circumstances, we may need to delay your CT guided injection depending on the risks and benefits of the examination.
CT uses X-rays, which are a form of ionising radiation. There is a potential risk associated with exposure to ionising radiation. In line with IRMER (Ionising Radiation Medical Imaging Regulations) 2017, we follow the ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) principle. All examinations are justified to ensure that the benefit of an accurate diagnosis outweighs the small risk associated with ionising radiation. We are confident that we use the lowest amount of radiation possible. There is further information about radiation risk on our website or in our imaging department. If you have any concerns, please speak to your radiographer, referrer or consultant.
Your doctor has recommended a CT guided nerve block injection as the most appropriate option for you. An alternative is a fluoroscopy (X-ray) guided nerve block injection. Your consultant will have chosen CT guided injection based on various medical factors. If you have any concerns or questions about your treatment or the alternatives available, please speak to your consultant.
Working with professionals and teams
Our expert radiologists support professional athletes, elite sports teams, and active individuals with precise diagnostic imaging and targeted image-guided treatments. Working closely with orthopaedic specialists and physiotherapists, they deliver accurate assessments and minimally invasive care to accelerate your recovery and return to activity.
This same world-class imaging expertise is available to every patient, whatever your goals.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic London
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore Street W1U 2SB
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon Clinic
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT Scan
- Image guided injections
- Physiotherapy
- MAKO Robotic Joint Replacement
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