Angled posteroanterior fluoroscopy for L5-S1 discography: a technical note.
Lumbar discography, a useful modality for evaluating patients with lower back pain, is performed under fluoroscopy with posteroanterior and lateral fluoroscopic imaging. Despite use of fluoroscopy, needle placement into the L5-S1 disc may be difficult, especially in the presence of degenerative changes. We describe use of angled posteroanterior fluoroscopy with the fluoroscopy beam directed 30 degrees to 40 degrees caudally in a prone patient for clear visualization of the L5-S1 disc space. Use of this radiographic view aids in accurate needle placement and might decrease both procedure duration and fluoroscopic exposition.
Ebraheim
Nabil A
NA
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH 43614, USA. nebraheim@meduohio.edu
Karkare
Nakul
N
Liu
Jiayong
J
Xu
Rongming
R
Werner
Clément M L
CM
D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012447:Sacrum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*