Image-guided spinal injection for pain management

J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2022 Feb;66(1):79-91. doi: 10.1111/1754-9485.13308. Epub 2021 Aug 9.

Abstract

Radiculopathy and spinal pain are debilitating conditions affecting millions of people worldwide each year. While most cases can be managed conservatively with physiotherapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, minimally invasive corticosteroid injections are the mainstay intervention for those not responsive to conservative treatment. Historically, spinal injections were performed in the absence of imaging guidance; however, imaging modalities, in particular fluoroscopy and computer tomography (CT), have become the standard of care in performing most of these procedures. Under imaging guidance, operators can accurately confirm needle placement and safely target localised pathologies.

Keywords: imaging guidance; injection techniques; pain management; radiculopathy; spinal injection; spinal pain.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fluoroscopy
  • Humans
  • Injections, Spinal
  • Pain Management*
  • Radiculopathy* / drug therapy
  • Spine