Neuroimaging clinics of North America
-
Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2019
ReviewPercutaneous Vertebral Body Augmentations: The State of Art.
Osteoporotic compression fractures of the vertebral body can result in pain and long-term morbidity, including spinal deformity, with increased risk of mortality resulting from associated complications. Conservative management includes opioids and other analgesics, bed rest, and a back brace. For patients with severe and disabling pain, vertebral augmentation (vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty) is often considered, with these procedures endorsed by multiple professional societies, and provides immediate structural support, and stabilizes and reinforces the weakened bone structure. The purpose of this article is to review the vertebral biomechanics, indications and contraindications, and techniques of performing successful vertebral augmentation.
-
In addition to basic image-guided injections, there are many advanced procedures to address the challenges of spine pain. Patients with debilitating symptoms are offered relief, a shorter recovery period, and fewer potential complications. Pain arises from numerous sites along the spine, presenting as spine pain or radiculopathy. This article is an overview of advanced techniques in this rapidly progressing field, including neuromodulation, radiofrequency thermocoagulation, discography, intradiscal thermocoagulation, and percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression; and it highlights etiologic factors and their relationship to therapeutic technique and clinical evidence.
-
Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy are the primary diagnostic modalities for assessing mass lesions. Any superficial or deep-seated lesion occurring anywhere in the body, including bone and soft tissue, can undergo this procedure to pathologically characterize it. The outcomes of FNA, performed either alone or in combination with core biopsy, are best when performed and interpreted by skilled individuals. The roles of interventional radiologists and cytologists are pivotal in ensuring adequacy of the specimen and leading the clinical team in making the diagnosis and avoiding repeat diagnostic procedures or a more invasive open surgical biopsy.
-
Sacral fractures result from high-impact trauma or in the form of insufficiency or pathologic fractures, resulting from osteoporosis, radiation therapy, or malignancy. In the emergency setting, the escalating use of computed tomography has substantially increased diagnosis of sacral fractures, which are frequently occult on radiographs. ⋯ Sacroplasty is a safe, minimally invasive treatment option for many types of sacral fractures. It provides rapid and durable pain relief, with a low incidence of complications.