Category Radiology

Introduction to the Retroperitoneum

Relevant Anatomy and Embryology The parietal peritoneum separates the peritoneal cavity from the retroperitoneum. The retroperitoneum contains all the abdominal contents located between the parietal peritoneum and the transversalis fascia. It is divided into 3 compartments by 2 well-defined fascial…

Imaging Approaches

Renal Mass Evaluation CT : Although rapid improvements in scanner technology have resulted in dramatic increases in spatial and temporal resolution, the imaging marker for potential neoplasia (enhancement of soft tissue components of renal masses after contrast administration) has not…

Piriformis Steroid Injection

KEY FACTS Terminology Selective image-guided injection of long-acting anesthetic and corticosteroid into piriformis muscle adjacent to sciatic nerve in treatment of piriformis syndrome Some advocate intramuscular botulinum toxin A injection Preprocedure Injection is generally reserved for cases in which conservative…

Sacral Nerve Root Block

KEY FACTS Terminology Selective corticosteroid and long-acting anesthetic injection of sacral nerve root at level of neural foramen Preprocedure Malignant or benign neoplasm Imaging Evaluate relevant anatomic landmarks Search for other causes of patient pain Procedure Anchor 22-gauge spinal needle…

Sacroiliac Joint Injection

KEY FACTS Terminology Image-guided injection of corticosteroid and long-acting anesthetic into sacroiliac (SI) joint Preprocedure Indications Diagnostic injection for hip/back/buttock pain Sacroiliitis Synovial cyst associated with SI joint Procedure Prone Oblique tube angulation to “open” SI joint Advance needle under…

Pelvis Anatomy

TERMINOLOGY Definitions Sacrum is large triangular bone formed from 5 fused vertebrae at base of vertebral column GROSS ANATOMY You’re Reading a Preview Become a Clinical Tree membership for Full access and enjoy Unlimited articles Become membership If you are…

Disc Aspiration/Biopsy

KEY FACTS Terminology Fine-needle aspiration of intervertebral disc material ± core biopsy Preprocedure Coagulopathy/anticoagulation studies Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count Suspected osteomyelitis/discitis To confirm infectious organism Procedure For thoracic and lumbar…

Percutaneous Discectomy

KEY FACTS Terminology Percutaneous disc removal to reduce intradiscal pressure → protruded disc retracts back in place, reduced irritation on annulus nociceptive nerve receptors Also decompresses nerve root from disc Another proposed mechanism: Removing disc material may prevent release of…