Lumbar puncture under fluoroscopy guidance: a technical review for radiologists

Diagn Interv Radiol. 2019 Mar;25(2):144-156. doi: 10.5152/dir.2019.18291.

Abstract

There are many differences in fluoroscopy-guided lumbar puncture (FG-LP) technique among radiologists. Even within the same institution, there are a variety of preferences among proceduralists with individual perspectives based on the literature, training, and/or experience. Our aim is to provide familiarity with various techniques involved in FG-LP and provide insight on how to improve patient outcomes. The pertinent anatomy and physiology, indications, contraindications, patient management, complications of the procedure, and procedural techniques for performing an FG-LP are reviewed in detail. Potentially controversial topics regarding FG-LP are also addressed. There are many differences in fluoroscopy-guided lumbar puncture (FG-LP) technique among radiologists (1). Even within the same institution, there are a variety of individual preferences among physicians with different perspectives based on a combination of literature familiarity, training, and personal experience. Our aim is to provide familiarity with various techniques involved in FG-LP, improve efficiency, and improve patient outcomes. We will also address possible controversial issues regarding FG-LPs using an evidence-based approach.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anatomy
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid / physiology
  • Female
  • Fluoroscopy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Pressure / physiology
  • Male
  • Needles
  • Post-Dural Puncture Headache / epidemiology
  • Radiologists / statistics & numerical data*
  • Radiology, Interventional
  • Spinal Puncture / adverse effects
  • Spinal Puncture / methods*
  • Young Adult