CT-guided interventional procedures for pain management in the lumbosacral spine

Radiographics. 1998 May-Jun;18(3):621-33. doi: 10.1148/radiographics.18.3.9599387.

Abstract

The lumbosacral spine is the source of pain, suffering, and disability more frequently than any other part of the body. Pain in the lower back can be managed with computed tomography-guided analgesic interventional procedures, such as periradicular infiltration, percutaneous laser disk decompression, facet joint block, and percutaneous vertebroplasty. Periradicular injection of steroids provides short-term and sometimes even long-term relief of low back pain. Percutaneous laser disk decompression is used to treat radiculalgia caused by disk herniation. Facet joint block is useful in diagnosis and treatment of facet syndrome. Percutaneous vertebroplasty provides short- and long-term pain relief in patients with vertebral body disease. However, precise patient selection is essential to the success of each of these techniques. The interventional radiologist has an active role to play in minimally invasive management of lower back pain and should be part of an interdisciplinary team that determines the appropriate therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Low Back Pain / etiology
  • Low Back Pain / therapy*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiology, Interventional
  • Sacrum / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Diseases / complications
  • Spinal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Spinal Diseases / therapy*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*