Category Neurological Imaging

Sacroplasty

KEY FACTS Terminology Percutaneous stabilization of sacral fracture via bone cement injection Preprocedure Indications Insufficiency fracture Pathologic fracture Posttraumatic fracture Laboratory data Coagulation parameters Infection/inflammation markers Imaging Consistent with acute/subacute fracture Look for retropulsion of bone fragments into sacral canal…

Kyphoplasty

KEY FACTS Terminology Vertebral fracture reduction via bipedicular balloon inflation followed by polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement augmentation Preprocedure Carefully determine correct level STIR MR is most sensitive for vertebral edema Ensure level of pain is consistent with acutely fractured vertebra on…

Vertebroplasty

KEY FACTS Terminology Percutaneous cement augmentation of vertebral body Preprocedure STIR MR provides excellent depiction of bone marrow edema in acute fracture Clinical examination Consistent with imaging findings Point tenderness should be assessed prior to sedation Procedure Can be performed…

Epidural Steroid Injection, Lumbar Spine

KEY FACTS Terminology Corticosteroid/anesthetic injection into lumbar epidural space via interlaminar, transforaminal, or caudal approach Preprocedure Indications Lumbar radiculopathy Residual pain following vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty Things to check Prior imaging: Adequate epidural space (especially important in postoperative back!) Avoid interlaminar approach in…

Medial Branch Block, Lumbar Spine

KEY FACTS Terminology Selective anesthesia of lumbar nerve medial branch in diagnostic evaluation of lumbar facet joint pain Preprocedure Facet joint pain Useful in selecting patients for medial branch radiofrequency ablation procedure Procedure Target: Junction of superior articular process and…

Selective Nerve Root Block, Thoracic Spine

KEY FACTS Terminology Selective corticosteroid and long-acting anesthetic injection of thoracic nerve root at level of neural foramen Preprocedure Indications Thoracic radiculopathy Persistent pain after vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty Neoplastic compression of thoracic nerve root Procedure Use nonparticulate steroid to minimize vascular risk…