Global spine journal
-
Global spine journal · Mar 2012
Dispersal pattern of injectate after lumbar interlaminar epidural spinal injection evaluated with computerized tomography.
Study Design Retrospective analysis of lumbar computed tomographic epidurograms. Objective To evaluate the dispersal pattern of injectate after interlaminar lumbar epidural steroid injections. Summary Prior studies have evaluated the dispersal patterns of injectate after lumbar epidural steroid injections using fluoroscopy with varying results. ⋯ In addition, there was significant (p = 0.006) reduction in pain. Conclusion Interlaminar lumbar epidural steroid injections are an effective treatment modality for various spine-related conditions. The injectate diffuses throughout the epidural space with nearly uniform circumferential flow as well as significant rostral and caudal flow.
-
Introduction The cervical spine is a highly mobile segment of the spinal column, liable to a variety of diseases and susceptible to trauma. It is a complex region where many vital structures lie in close proximity. Lateral mass screw fixation has become the method of choice in stabilizing subaxial cervical spine among other posterior cervical fixation techniques whenever the posterior elements are absent or compromised. ⋯ The average divergent angle of bicortical screw insertion without injury to the vertebral artery or the nerve root was 19.51 ± 1.83 degrees. As regard the cadaveric specimens, based on all the collected measurements taken from the CT scans, there was no reported injury to the vertebral arteries or nerve roots or penetration to the facet joints. Conclusion Lateral mass fixation can be applied easily and safely for all levels of subaxial cervical spine from C3 to C6 with the following parameters: (1) the point of entry is the midpoint of the lateral mass; (2) the screw trajectory is directed 30 degrees cranially and 20 degrees laterally; (3) the screw length is 13 to 15 mm.