FIG 3. Operator insertion of the 25-gauge needle by using the prong deflector for neck tissue control.

A, The prong deflector maintains control of the neck structures while the needle is inserted (arrow). Fluoroscopic inspection of the needle position and trajectory can be obtained without direct operator exposure of the central beam.

B, Example of fluoroscopic visualization of needle insertion during cervical diskography with assistance of the prong deflector tool in a 44-year-old man with persistent neck pain radiating to his posterior left shoulder. The prong deflector is being used during needle insertion of the C5–6 disk space with thyroid cartilage displaced medial to the prong deflector tines (white arrow) and clear access to the disk space established (black arrowhead).