Keywords:
Ultrasound, CT, MR, Puncture, Treatment effects, Outcomes analysis, Inflammation, Arthritides
Authors:
D. Orlandi1, G. Ferrero1, E. Fabbro1, C. Martini1, L. M. Sconfienza2, E. Silvestri1; 1Genoa/IT, 2Milan/IT
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2013/C-2002
Methods and Materials
We evaluated 15 patients (7 males,
mean age 65 years,
range 56-78 years) with a clinical diagnosis of low back pain and previously investigated with CT in order to confirm the presence of facet joints degenerative changes.
All patients received facet joints injection of steroid and anesthetic (2 ml methylprednisolone acetate + 2 ml lignocaine) of the affected levels under US guidance (Logiq E9,
GE healthcare,
USA) coupled with a GPS-driven fusion system using MR or CT images.
Needle position check was obtained in all cases with a low-dose CT scan.
Patients’ pain were recorded at 0,2,8,24 weeks using a visual analogue scale (VAS).
Wilcoxon statistics were used.
Fig. 1: CT-US fusion patient setting
Fig. 2: Synchronization of US and CT scan in order to obtain a perfect fusion imaging.
Fig. 3: CT fusion assisted-US guided injection of L4-L5 left facet joint.
Fig. 4: Needle position CT check after US guided facet joint injection.