Ultrasound-guided and CT-navigation-assisted periradicular and facet joint injections in the lumbar and cervical spine: a new teaching tool to recognize the sonoanatomic pattern.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to provide a teaching tool to facilitate the acquirement of periradicular and facet-joint infiltration techniques in the cervical and lumbar spine.


METHODS
On 3 fresh cadavers, a computed tomography (CT) of the lumbar and cervical region was obtained. By use of a dedicated image navigation and reconstruction system, sonographic images were generated and fused with the collected CT data set.


RESULTS
The sonoanatomy can be instantly compared with the correlating CT-images. This new bimodal method allows for simultaneous views of CT and ultrasound images. Multiplanar imaging of ultrasound-guided infiltrations is facilitated.


CONCLUSIONS
This teaching tool provides immediate CT-verification of sonographically identified structures and helps in the identification of bony landmarks, which are necessary for facet-joint and periradicular injections.
Galiano
Klaus
K
Clinic of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria. klaus.galiano@i-med.ac.at
Obwegeser
Alois Albert
AA
Bale
Reto
R
Harlander
Christoph
C
Schatzer
Reinhold
R
Schocke
Michael
M
Gruber
Hannes
H
D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal; D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000193:education*; D002102:Cadaver; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003479:Curriculum; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular / Q000379:methods; D007278:Injections, Spinal / Q000379:methods; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional; D021801:Zygapophyseal Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging