PASSOR PHASES
Phase I – Introduction to Lumbar Procedures
For physicians with little or no previous experience with fluoroscopically guided spinal procedures.  Phase I is limited to the lumbopelvic region and
includes:

Introduction to fluoroscopy, including radiation safety

Introduction to needle placement and bevel control

Lumbar interlaminar epidural injections
Sacroiliac intra-articular injections
Zygapophysial intra-articular injections


Phase II - Intermediate Lumbar / Beginning Cervical Procedures

For physicians who have grasped the fundamentals taught in Phase I, and wish to progress to more sophisticated lumbar and basic cervical
procedures. Phase II includes:

Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections

Lumbar medial branch and dorsal ramus nerve blocks, including radiofrequency denervation

Lumbar sympathetic nerve blocks

Cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injections


Phase III – Advanced Cervical and Lumbar Procedures

For physicians who have extensive experience with Phase I and II procedures, or have completed phases I and II, and wish to progress to more
sophisticated (and risky) cervical procedures.  Phase III includes:

Cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections

Cervical zygapophysial (facet) joint injections and medial branch blocks

Cervical zygapophysial (facet) joint radiofrequency denervation

Cervical sympathetic nerve blocks

Roundtable discussion specific to Phase III procedures

Additional workstations included in all phases

Physical examination techniques used to complement the injection techniques taught at each course

Roundtable discussion specific to Phase I, Phase II and Phase III, respectively