Fluoroscopic axial imaging in percutaneous lumbosacral procedures: An underutilized technique.
BACKGROUND
The L4-5 and L5-S1 intervertebral disc spaces are the most frequent sites of discal spinal pathology, hence, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions are commonly performed at these levels. While performing fluoroscopically guided spinal procedures such as discography or intradiscal electrothermal anuloplasty (IDEA), antero-posterior (AP), lateral, and oblique views are utilized. However axial projection is not typically possible without three-dimensional imaging such as computerized tomography (CT). Intraprocedural CT is not commonly available. Instead, post-discography CT axial views are used to grade the degree of disruption. However, post-procedural CT is not always immediately available, and it increases costs and may increase patient discomfort, inconvenience, and radiation exposure. Intra-procedure fluoroscopic axial (F-axial) views offer the benefit of dynamic information by helping confirm needle, introducer, or intradiscal catheter position.


OBJECTIVE
To describe an alternative approach to axial imaging of the L5-S1 intradiscal space.


METHODS
Spine Speciality Center.


METHODS
We describe a simple technique for visualizing L5-S1 axial images intra-procedurally using F-axial views. Taking advantage of the patient's lordosis, the C-arm image intensifier is rotated cadally so F-axial images are obtained. We also demonstrate other uses of intra-procedural F-axials, including confirmation of discography needle placement and IDEA introducer and catheter positioning.


CONCLUSIONS
The L4-5 and L5-S1 intervertebral disc spaces are frequent sites of discal spinal pathology. Multiple diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are performed at these levels. This report describes an adjunctive technique for visualizing the L5-S1 axial images intra-procedurally using a fluoroscopic axial (F-axial) view.
Furman
Michael B
MB
Orthopedic and spine Specialists, York, PA 17402, USA. MBFurman@hotmail.com
Reeves
Ryan S
RS
Lee
Thomas S
TS
Sthalekar
Ninad D
ND
D017587:Diskectomy, Percutaneous; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008161:Lumbosacral Region / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed