Recent advances in imaging technology now allow neuroradiologists to more accurately pinpoint the source of patients' back or neck pain, resulting in a more effective and prolonged response to treatment. UCSF is one of the few medical centers in California to offer the latest generation of CT technology, 64片 CT扫描仪. This technology allows neuroradiologists to inject medication adjacent to 神经, within joint spaces or around the spinal canal with greater precision.
ct引导下的脊柱注射
在脊柱干预过程中, 64片 CT扫描仪 may be used in combination with other diagnostic imaging techniques available at UCSF, 包括 核磁共振成像 和脊髓造影术. Our three-dimensional imaging procedure provides neuroradiologists with the best images available for viewing your spine’s anatomy, and our 核磁共振成像 imaging techniques allow direct visualization of inflamed 神经.
Our radiologists have pioneered low-radiation techniques for spinal procedures using CT, which result in radiation doses that are similar or less than those from conventional X-ray fluoroscopy guidance.
谁会受益
CT-guided spine injection procedures may be particularly beneficial to patients who:
- 有脊柱内固定手术史吗, 如螺丝或杆, 或者可能模糊或扭曲脊柱解剖结构的骨移植
- Have significant osteoarthritis or soft tissue abnormalities that may hinder fluoroscopy (real time X-ray) techniques intended to visualize spinal 关节, 神经根和其他脊柱结构
- 椎管狭窄, in which the areas for injection are reduced in size and therefore require great precision
优势
CT-guided spinal injections offer several advantages compared to the technique most commonly used to guide back and neck pain injections, 叫做x射线透视.
- Neuroradiologists are able to inject small amounts of medication into the targeted area with unparalleled precision and safety.
- During the injection procedure you will undergo high-resolution, 横断诊断CT, which may reveal other sources of pain or disease in adjacent 光盘 or facets that weren't recognized on routine scans.
- Neuroradiologists are able to more accurately visualize spinal anatomy — bones, 神经, 关节, 光盘, soft tissues and surgical instrumentation — that can't be seen using X-ray-based fluoroscopy.
过程
实时, three-dimensional CT guidance is used during procedures to precisely guide needle placement and the delivery of the pain medication to the appropriate location. This improves our patients' chances of a successful diagnosis and treatment.
继续阅读
利用CT, neuroradiologists can visualize structures that do not appear on routine X-ray-based fluoroscopy, 比如细微的裂缝, 椎间盘突出或骨刺. These conditions may cause or contribute to back or neck pain. 在很多情况下, the underlying cause of a patient's back and neck pain is discovered during CT scanning for the injection procedure. If this occurs, the therapy originally planned may be altered to treat your pain more effectively.
The procedure for a single injection typically takes less than 30 minutes. Depending on the number of injection sites and the complexity of the treatments, 然而, the procedure may take as little as 15 minutes or as long as one to two hours.
复苏
You will be given discharge instructions of what to expect after the procedure. For more information, please call our Precision Spine Center nurse at (415) 353-3717. Our nurses are available to assist you before, during and after the procedure.
风险
As with any procedure that uses radiation, there are small risks. 然而, our neuroradiologists use every available technique to minimize your radiation exposure while achieving the best outcome possible.
The new 64-slice scanner, unlike earlier models, quickly records and processes images. Its enhanced speed allows your neuroradiologist to remain in the procedure room as images process and, 根据需要, to quickly redirect the course of the needle path using three-dimensional imaging.
采用低剂量扫描和重建方法, procedure time can be reduced by as much as 75 percent while achieving radiation doses typical of the usual two-dimensional X-ray imaging techniques. CT与先进的结合, low-dose technique results in a more effective and safer procedure.
加州大学旧金山分校健康 medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
