The Usefulness of Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Defining Painful Upper Cervical Facet Arthropathy

SPECT-CT imaging of the upper cervical spine is a potentially sensitive diagnostic test that can implicate pain generators with increased metabolic activity. We propose that SPECT-CT may be a useful adjunct in the workup for neck pain secondary to facet arthropathy that could obviate diagnostic injections.