C-arm Fluoroscopic Guidance Research Articles

Drug consumption copmparison after transforaminal epidural steroid injection versus radiofrequency application in patients with lumbosacral radicular pain

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the efficacy of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) versus radiofrequency application on drug consumption for lumbosacral radicular pain relief . Patients and methods: The study, which was conducted between September 2012 and September 2014, included 40 patients with lumbosacral radicular pain. All injections were applied under C-arm fluoroscopy guidance, using a mix of bucaine and lidocaine. patient’s intake of analgesic medication was measured at the baseline before the intervention, and again after the intervention by one week ,after 1 month and after three months , to determine the effect of intervention on analgesic drug consumption , amount of drug consumption measured in mgs per day. Results: There was statistically significant difference in the NSAIDs consumption post procedure between the two groups, steroid group had a decrease in NSAIDs (Ibuprofen) consumption more then the PRF group (P-value<0.05), There was statistically significant difference in the tramadol consumption post procedure between the two groups specially after one week and one month, steroid group had a decrease in tramadol consumption more then the PRF group (P-value<0.05) , There was no statistically significant difference in the pregabaline consumption post procedure between the two groups, but steroid group had a decrease in pregabaline consumption more then the PRF group (P-value < 0.05). Conclusion: In this follow-up study, transforaminal epidural steroid injection was found to be effective in both the early period and in the mid-term, And improve the drug consumption more than the radiofrequency application

Transforaminal Nerve Roots Steroid Injections Versus Pulsed Radiofrequency Application For Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain

Objectives: This study aims to Compare the Effectivenesses of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) for the Nerve Roots Steroid Injections Versus Pulsed Radiofrequency Application For Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain Patients and methods: The study, which was conducted between September 2013 and September 2016, included 40 patients with low back pain (13 males, 27 females; median age 45 years; [min. 22 - max. 88 years]). All injections were applied under C-arm fluoroscopy guidance, using a mix of methyprdnisone and macain. The valuation parameters are pain evaluation pre and post the procedure (2hrs after the procedure , 1st week ,after one month and after 3 months from the procedure) .the pain evaluation by visual analoge scale (0-10) and low back pain questionare also consumption of analgesic drugs is compared pre and post procedure. Reporting of possible complications Results: As regard pain scores for both groups group there was significant decrease in VAS score in both groups from the preprocedure score (P-value<0.001). Patients in group 1 had less VAS scores in comparison for group 2 (P-value=0.005). also There was significant decrease in LBP score in both groups from the preprocedure score (P-value<0.001). Patients in group 1 had less LBP score in comparison for group 2 (P-value<0.001). Conclusion: In this study, we aimed to present the effectiveness 0f Transforaminal Nerve Roots Steroid Injections Versus Pulsed Radiofrequency Application For Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain. We found that there was significant decrease in VAS score in both groups from the pre procedure score. Patients in TFESI group had less VAS and low back pain scores in comparison for PRF group , and application of PRF is more safe than steroid injection

Eccentric technique for foraminoplasty in percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal procedure: A technical note

ObjectiveTo describe a modified technique usied for foraminoplasty in percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal procedure. Methods58 patients (20 males and 38 females, average age 52.5 years) underwent percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal procedure by using our modified technique. Under the guidance of C-arm fluoroscopy, a kirschner wire was inserted into targeted superior articular process. After expanding the soft tissues, a trepan with the largest diameter was located through the kirschner wire and the angle of trepan was flexible enough to adjust to different operative conditions. This technique could help to avoided using step-by-step larger diameters of trepans without slippage during foraminoplasty. ResultsWith our modified technique, the mean operation time was 65 min (range 50–80 min) and mean estimated blood loss was 12 ml (range 10–30 ml). Fluoroscopy was less (the mean duration of fluoroscopy was 20.4 ± 9.2 s and the mean radiation dose was 0.9 ± 0.2 mSv) and no complications occurred. All foraminoplasties were excellent via CT scans after surgery and all patients were discharged on 2nd day after operation. The results of 58 patients with an average follow-up of 18 (6–36) months demonstrated our eccentric technique to be effective. ConclusionOur eccentric technique could help to avoid step-by-step larger diameters of trepans during foraminoplasty to shorten operation time and reduced the number of fluoroscopy intraoperative.

The effectiveness of transforaminal epidural steroid injection in patients with radicular low back pain: Combination of pain provocation with effectiveness results.

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) on low back pain relief and functional impairments and whether pain provocation during injection has an effect on pain relief in mid-term. The study, which was conducted between September 2012 and September 2013, included 62 patients with low back pain (38 males, 24 females; median age 45 years; min 22 - max 88 years). All injections were applied under C-arm fluoroscopy guidance, using a mix of betamethasone and lidocaine. A 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Short Form-36 were administered before the injection, and at post-injection second and 12th weeks. Presence of any pain provocation was questioned during injection. The most frequent level of intervention was L5 level. Median initial VAS score was 80.0 (50.0;100.0) mm, which was measured as 45.0 (0.0;90.0) mm and 30.0 (0.0;100.0) mm at the post-injection second and 12th weeks, respectively. Median initial ODI score was 25.0 (9.0;43.0) points, which was measured as 17.0 (3.0;38.0) and 12.5 (1.0;38.0) points at the post-injection second and 12th weeks, respectively. All subgroup scores of SF-36 improved significantly during the follow-up period. We detected statistically significant improvements in the outcome measurements at the post-injection second and 12th weeks (p<0.05). There were significant differences between patients with positive and moderate pain provocation in terms of VAS (p=0.004) and ODI (p=0.006) scores. In this follow-up study, transforaminal epidural steroid injection was found to be effective in both the early period and in the mid-term. Pain provocation was not clinically predictive for better outcome according to the results.

How Does Patient Radiation Exposure Compare With Low-dose O-arm Versus Fluoroscopy for Pedicle Screw Placement in Idiopathic Scoliosis?

Intraoperative C-arm fluoroscopy and low-dose O-arm are both reasonable means to assist in screw placement for idiopathic scoliosis surgery. Both using pediatric low-dose O-arm settings and minimizing the number of radiographs during C-arm fluoroscopy guidance decrease patient radiation exposure and its deleterious biological effect that may be associated with cancer risk. We hypothesized that the radiation dose for C-arm-guided fluoroscopy is no less than low-dose O-arm scanning for placement of pedicle screws. A multicenter matched-control cohort study of 28 patients in total was conducted. Fourteen patients who underwent O-arm-guided pedicle screw insertion for spinal fusion surgery in 1 institution were matched to another 14 patients who underwent C-arm fluoroscopy guidance in the other institution in terms of the age of surgery, body weight, and number of imaged spine levels. The total effective dose was compared. A low-dose pediatric protocol was used for all O-arm scans with an effective dose of 0.65 mSv per scan. The effective dose of C-arm fluoroscopy was determined using anthropomorphic phantoms that represented the thoracic and lumbar spine in anteroposterior and lateral views, respectively. The clinical outcome and complications of all patients were documented. The mean total effective dose for the O-arm group was approximately 4 times higher than that of the C-arm group (P<0.0001). The effective dose for the C-arm patients had high variability based on fluoroscopy time and did not correlate with the number of imaged spine levels or body weight. The effective dose of 1 low-dose pediatric O-arm scan approximated 85 seconds of the C-arm fluoroscopy time. All patients had satisfactory clinical outcomes without major complications that required returning to the operating room. Radiation exposure required for O-arm scans can be higher than that required for C-arm fluoroscopy, but it depends on fluoroscopy time. Inclusion of more medical centers and surgeons will better account for the variability of C-arm dose due to distinct patient characteristics, surgeon's preference, and individual institution's protocol. Level III-case-control study.

The efficacy of interlaminar epidural steroid administration in multilevel intervertebral disc disease with chronic low back pain: a randomized, blinded, prospective study

Background ContextEpidural steroid injection is commonly used in patients with chronic low back pain. Applying a mixture of a local anesthetic (LA) and steroid using the interlaminar (IL), transforaminal, and caudal techniques is a preferred approach. PurposeThe present study aims to investigate the efficacy of interlaminar epidural steroid administration in patients with multilevel lumbar disc pathology (LDP) and to assess the possible correlation of the procedure's success with age and body mass index (BMI). Study DesignA randomized controlled trial was performed. Patient SampleWe administered interlaminar epidural steroid to a total of 98 patients with multilevel LDP. Outcome MeasuresThe visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scoring were performed on the study population at pretreatment (PRT), posttreatment, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 PRT months. A possible correlation of BMI and age with the procedure success was evaluated. MethodsThe LA group (Group L, n=50) received 10 mL 0.25% bupivacaine, whereas the steroid+LA group (Group S, n=48) received 10 mL 0.25% bupivacaine+40 mg methylprednisolone at L4–L5 intervertebral space in prone position under the guidance of C-arm fluoroscopy. ResultsThere was no statistical difference in the PRT VAS and ODI scores between the groups (p<.05), whereas the VAS and ODI scores at 1, 3, 6, and 12 posttreatment months were higher in Group L, compared with Group S (p<.05). Age and BMI were not found to be related with the success of the procedure. ConclusionsOur study results showed that the VAS and ODI scores were lower in patients with multilevel LDP receiving steroid, following the administration of IL epidural injection. However, further studies are required to establish a robust conclusion on the dispersion of IL epidural injections in the epidural area and the dose of steroid.

Chronic Bilateral Sphenopalatine Ganglion Stimulation for Intractable Bilateral Chronic Cluster Headache: A Case Reportlkmjn

A cluster headache (CH) is an excruciating pain centered on the periorbital region and is accompanied by autonomic symptoms. Despite the best currently available medical therapy, many patients still suffer from these headaches. Some patients also experience CH with side shift of attacks, which makes treatment more difficult. In light of the pathophysiological mechanism of CH, the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is a promising therapeutic target for its management. SPG ablation and non-ablation techniques have been the preferred treatment for CH in recent decades. However, few articles have reported the effectiveness of acute SPG stimulation for CH, and no studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of bilateral continuous SPG stimulation for CH. In this article, we report on a 59-year-old chronic cluster headache (CCH) patient who had side shifts of attacks and was treated with bilateral continuous SPG stimulation. The patient suffered from CCH for 9 years, and the intensity of pain and the frequency of attacks had gradually increased over time. At the time of admission, he experienced daily attacks. Medical therapy and SPG blocks were offered, but he only achieved transient pain relief. After a careful preoperative examination and discussion with the patient, we provided bilateral SPG stimulation. The electrode was implanted under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. After continuous stimulation, the patient experienced significant reductions in headache severity. The frequency of attacks was reduced from daily to less than once per week. He also discontinued all of the related drugs that he was taking. This is the first report of bilateral continuous SPG stimulation for CCH. This report indicates that continuous SPG stimulation is a feasible therapeutic option for CCH. However, large-scale and long-term studies are required to elucidate the efficacy of SPG stimulation. Key words: Cluster headache, sphenopalatine ganglion, SPG, neuromodulation, side shift, stimulation

Subtrochanteric femur fracture treated by intramedullary fixation

PurposeTo discuss surgical technique, operative efficacy and clinical outcome of intramedullary fixation in the treatment of subtrochanteric femur fractures. MethodsFrom February 2011 to February 2013, 76 cases of subtrochanteric femur fractures were treated by intramedullary fixation in our hospital, including 53 males and 23 females, with the age range of 37–72 years (mean 53.5 years). According to Seinsheimer classification, there were 2 cases of type I, 7 type II, 15 type III, 23 type IV and 29 type V. Firstly, all patients underwent closed reduction with the guidance of C-arm fluoroscopy in a traction table. Two cases of type I and 3 cases of type III fractures had ideal closed reduction followed by internal fixation. The others needed additional limited open reduction. Radiographic examination was used to evaluate callus formation and fracture healing in postoperative 1, 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up. Functional recovery was evaluated by Harris Hip Scoring (HHS) system. ResultsPatients were followed up for 6–12 months. All fractures were healed except one patient with delayed union. The average bone union time was 4.5 months. According to HHS system, 65 cases were considered as excellent in functional recovery, 8 good, 2 fair and 1 poor. The proportion of the patients with excellent and good recovery was 96.05%. ConclusionIntramedullary fixation is feasible for the treatment of subtrochanteric femur fracture. The accuracy of intraoperative reduction and surgical skill are important for the clinical outcome and the patients' prognosis.

Intraoperative Fluoroscopy Improves Component Position During Anterior Hip Arthroplasty.

The goal of this retrospective review was to determine whether fluoroscopic guidance improves acetabular cup abduction and anteversion alignment during anterior total hip arthroplasty. The authors retrospectively reviewed 199 patients (fluoroscopy group, 98; nonfluoroscopy group, 101) who underwent anterior total hip arthroplasty at a single center with and without C-arm fluoroscopy guidance. Included in the study were patients of any age who underwent primary anterior approach total hip arthroplasty performed by a single surgeon, with 6-month postoperative anteroposterior pelvis radiographs. Acetabular cup abduction and anteversion angles were measured and compared between groups. Mean acetabular cup abduction and anteversion angles were 43.4° (range, 26.0°-57.4°) and 23.1° (range, 17°-28°), respectively, in the fluoroscopy group. Mean abduction and anteversion angles were 45.9° (range, 29.7°-61.3°) and 23.1° (range, 17°-28°), respectively, after anterior total hip arthroplasty without the use of C-arm guidance (nonfluoroscopy group). The use of fluoroscopy was associated with a statistically significant difference in cup abduction (P=.002) but no statistically significant difference in anteversion angles. In the fluoroscopy group, 80% of implants were within the combined safe zone compared with 63% in the nonfluoroscopy group. A significantly higher percentage of both acetabular cup abduction angles and combined anteversion and abduction angles were in the safe zone in the fluoroscopy group. Fluoroscopy is not required for proper anteversion placement of acetabular components, but it may increase ideal safe zone placement of components.

Micropercutaneous nephrolithotripsy: initial experience.

IntroductionFor small renal calculi (< 2 cm) the currently available treatment options include extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and standard/mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). A new method, microperc, has therefore been developed, in which a smaller tract size and smaller instruments were used.AimTo present our clinical experiences with micropercutaneous nephrolithotripsy (microperc) in the treatment of small renal calculi.Material and methodsWe retrospectively evaluated patients with small renal calculi who underwent microperc between February and June 2013. A 4.8 Fr ‘all-seeing needle’ was used to achieve percutaneous renal access with the C-arm fluoroscopy guidance in the prone position. Holmium: YAG laser 272 µm fiber was used for stone fragmentation.ResultsA total of 20 patients underwent the microperc procedure. The mean age of the patients was 46.5 ±13.8 years. The mean stone size was 13 ±3 mm. The stone-free rate (SFR) was 90% (18/20). Two patients had clinically significant residual fragments (≥ 4 mm). The mean operation and fluoroscopy times were 107.5 ±37 min and 45 ±40 s respectively. The mean postoperative drop in hemoglobin was 1.2 ±0.9 g/dl, and 1 patient required blood transfusion. The patients were discharged after an average hospitalization of 1.4 ±0.8 days. Two complications, urinary tract infection and blood loss requiring blood transfusion, were observed in 2 patients postoperatively.ConclusionsWe suggest that microperc should be considered for the treatment of small renal stones.

Feasibility of Contralateral Oblique Fluoroscopy-guided Cervical Interlaminar Steroid Injections.

Cervical epidural steroid injection (CESI), given in conjunction with local anesthetics, is a common remedy for cervical radicular pain and is generally performed under c-arm fluoroscopic guidance, computed tomography (CT), or ultrasound. Interlaminar procedures, such as CESI, typically rely on anteroposterior and lateral (APL) views during needle placement. However, lateral views may be obscured by body habitus in certain individuals. Swimmer's view or contralateral oblique (CLO) view may be used to avoid this. Our intent was to assess technical success and procedural risk in patients subjected to image-guided CESI procedures with CLO c-arm fluoroscopy. A total of 186 of patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups undergoing image-guided CESI via (1) CT, (2) c-arm fluoroscopy CLO, and (3) c-arm fluoroscopy APL. Complication rates and technical success were assessed, basing the latter on image reviews to confirm the presence of epidural contrast. All image-guided CESI procedures utilizing CT and CLO fluoroscopy proved technically successful. In the CT group, epidural needle tip and contrast dispersion were clearly visible at all levels of study. In the CLO subset, needle tip visibility was unclear in isolated instances at levels C6-7 and C7-T1 (1 patient each level). In APL procedures, needle tip was regularly obscured by shoulder anatomy at levels C6-7 (26 of 41 patients) and C7-T1 (15 of 16 patients), and contrast dispersion was often uncertain. CLO fluoroscopy-guided CESI is feasible and safe, comparing favorably with CT-guided CESI.

Core Needle Percutaneous Transpedicular Vertebral Body Biopsy

We report an accurate technique for percutaneous transpedicular core needle biopsy of vertebral body lesions, and evaluate its effectiveness for histologic diagnosis retrospectively. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of this method retrospectively. Better knowledge of vertebral pedicle morphometry has led to the development of transpedicular fixation techniques in spinal surgery. After experience with these techniques, we have been performing percutaneous transpedicular vertebral body core needle biopsies (transpedicular biopsy) for histologic diagnosis since 1993. A total of 128 patients who had undergone transpedicular biopsy for T1-L5 vertebral body lesions were evaluated. The biopsies were carried out under local anesthesia, except in children, for whom general anesthesia was used. Biopsy specimens were obtained by passing 8 or 11 G needle biopsy instruments percutaneously through the pedicle into the site of the lesion under C-arm fluoroscopy guidance. Histologic analyses were performed, and the accuracy and effectiveness of this technique were evaluated. The pathologic evaluations were definitive in 120 patients (93.8%) and not diagnostic in 8. The accuracy of the results differed among the diagnostic categories. Diagnostic accuracy was 78.6% for primary neoplasms and 97.0% for metastatic neoplasms. There was a significant difference in the diagnostic criteria and spinal segment. True positive rate was higher in the thoracic spine (92.2%) than that of lumbar spine (76.6%). Transpedicular biopsy is a useful procedure for evaluation of thoracic and lumbar vertebral body lesions.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy and Complications: Our Experience with 3,003 Cases

We report the outcomes of 3,003 percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedures performed in our institution between March 1998 and December 2014. The PCNL procedures were performed under general anaesthesia. The ureteral catheter was installed in the supine position during cystoscopy under C-arm fluoroscopy guidance and, after turning the patient into the prone position, the kidney with stone was entered with a metal needle under fluoroscopy. The Amplatz renal dilator set was used (dilation or balloon renal dilator). The nephrostomy catheter was placed in the renal sheath. After completion of PCNL procedures, residual asymptomatic stones of 4 mm or less in size were considered clinically insignificant. Of the total number of patients, 2,699 (89.88%) achieved stone clearance. Bleeding requiring transfusion occurred in 186 cases (6.19%), of which 14 (0.47%) were treated with embolisation angiography. A double-J stent was inserted in 158 patients (5.26%). Pneumothorax occurred in 24 patients (0.80%) and colon perforation occurred in one patient (0.03%). In angiography, the bleeding site was not identified in one patient and open repair was performed. Mean duration of hospitalisation was 3.3 days and the nephrostomy tube was kept for a mean duration of 2.6 days.

Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Combined with Percutaneous Pediculoplasty for Lytic Vertebral Body and Pedicle Lesions of Metastatic Tumors

Background: Percutaneous pediculoplasty (PP) consists of the injection of Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) into the fractured pedicle or lytic vertebral pedicle lesions, as a technique derived from vertebroplasty. Objectives: To evaluate the short-term analgesic effect of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) and percutaneous pediculoplasty (PP) in patients with lytic vertebral body and pedicle lesions of metastatic tumors. Study Design: Single-center retrospective observational study. Setting: An interventional pain management practice, a medical center, major metropolitan city, China. Methods: Single-center retrospective observational study of all patients managed with PV and PP for painful vertebral body and pedicle metastatic tumors between 2007 and 2013. For each patient, symptom duration and pain intensity were recorded. PP was performed under local analgesia, in the prone position, with C-arm fluoroscopy guidance. The mixture of PMMA and Doxorubicin was delivered into the vertebral body with a non-beveled needle for the initial treatment followed by the mixture delivery into the lytic pedicle during needle withdrawal. Results: Nine patients (5 women, 4 men) were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 65.9 years (range 57 – 75). Technical success was defined as the ability to access the lesion using the approach. A positive clinical response for pain relief was achieved in these patients in whom vertebroplasty and pediculoplasty had been performed. Pain level was not significantly reduced in 3 patients in whom just vertebroplasty has been performed because the medial wall of the pedicle was destroyed by the metastatic lesion. Limitations: This study is limited by its sample size. Conclusions: PV and PP via the transpedicular approach for infiltrated vertebral bodies and infiltrated pedicles of metastatic tumors may be considered a valid therapeutic option. Key words: Percutaneous pediculoplasty, percutaneous vertebroplasty, lytic pedicular lesions, bone cement

Percutaneous fibrin gel injection under C-arm fluoroscopy guidance: a new minimally invasive choice for symptomatic sacral perineural cysts.

BackgroundSymptomatic sacral perineural cysts are a common cause of chronic pain. Surgery is one choice for symptom relief but has a high risk of cyst recurrence and complications. As a simple and safe method to manage symptomatic sacral perineural cysts, C-arm fluoroscopy-guided fibrin gel injection may represent a new minimally invasive alternative. To evaluate the efficacy of this new method, we conducted a retrospective study of 42 patients.Methods and FindingsFrom June 2009 to August 2012, a total of 42 patients with symptomatic sacral perineural cysts underwent C-arm fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous fibrin gel injection therapy. Patient outcomes in terms of improvements in pain and neurologic function were evaluated during a follow-up period of 13–39 months. The preoperative and postoperative pain severity were assessed according to a 10-cm visual analog pain scale, and imaging changes were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. We also assessed postoperative complications. Most patients experienced benefit from the procedure: twenty-five patients (59.5%) reported excellent recovery, eleven (26.2%) reported good recovery, three (7.1%) reported fair recovery, and three (7.1%) reported poor recovery. The overall effectiveness rate (excellent and good recoveries) was 85.7%. No serious postoperative complications were observed.ConclusionPercutaneous fibrin gel injection under C-arm fluoroscopy guidance could be a simple, safe and effective treatment option for symptomatic sacral perineural cysts.

Application of Customized Navigated Template for Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation Treatment of Primary Trigeminal Neuralgia

Objective: To investigate the successful rate and accuracy of percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PRT) for treatment of primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN) with customized navigated template via three dimensional (3D) printing technique. Methods: 65 patients with PTN were recruited from January 2014 to March 2015 and randomly divided into two groups: template group (n = 28) and traditional group (n = 37). The patients in traditional group received PRT under guidance of C-arm fluoroscopy, while the ones in template group were treated with customized navigated templates. The data of time, depth and accuracy rate of puncture, the average effective dose equivalent of radiation, complications after operation were collected and analyzed. Results: No intra-operative failures occurred in the template group: the pain was alleviated immediately after operation. Accuracy rate of the template group was 100% while 96% was achieved in traditional group. However, the average time of puncture by the template was significantly reduced compared with traditional group (2.37 ± 0.64 minutes and 24.2 ± 6.55 minutes, respectively; P 0.05). No complications were observed in template group while several complications such as blooding, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid and dizziness were observed in traditional group. Conclusion: The application of customized template is advocated for improving the accuracy of PRT.

Axial view of acetabular anterior column: a new X-ray projection of percutaneous screw placement.

To search for a new radiographic view/projection of the acetabular anterior column to provide a safe guide for percutaneous screw placement for acetabular fractures. Eight pelvic specimens taken from normal adult cadavers were positioned in a supine position on the operating table. First, the ipsilateral ilium-oblique view of the observed side was obtained on C-arm fluoroscopy by tilting the C-arm approximately 35° toward the contralateral hip joint. Then, the tilting angle of the C-arm was changed gradually until an oval track image (acetabular anterior column axial view) appeared. The oval shadow was clear only in one position as the angle of the C-arm was changed toward the caudal side of the operating table. A guide pin was put on the skin of the cadaver, and the location and tilting direction of the guide pin were adjusted under C-arm fluoroscopy until the pin's shadow became a point in the center of the oval track. Then, the guide pin was inserted into the bone using a battery-powered drill. The degree of inclination of the guide pin in the cadaver in the frontal and sagittal planes was measured using computed tomography (CT). Axial views of the anterior column were found successfully in all of the pelvic specimens, and the guide pins were inserted accurately into the acetabular anterior column under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. On the CT-reconstructed image, the average degree of angle between the guide pin and the sagittal plane was 33.6° (range 29.6°-36.5°). The average angle between the guide pin and the transverse plane was 59.1° (range 56.4°-63.2°). This axial view of the acetabular anterior column is a novel X-ray projection which provides an optimal method for guiding percutaneous insertion of anterior column screws for acetabular fractures.

Image-guided, navigation-assisted Relieva Stratus MicroFlow Spacer insertion into the ethmoid sinus.

Anatomical complexity presents the main challenge in the administration of topical corticosteroid therapy to the paranasal sinus mucosa. This often leads to suboptimal drug delivery due to low concentrations of the therapeutic agent to the intended target area. The Relieva Stratus™ MicroFlow Spacer (Relieva Stratus) is a drug-eluting stent that is temporarily implanted into the ethmoid sinus. The reservoir of the stent is filled with triamcinolone acetonide, which is then slowly released from the device into the ethmoid sinus mucosa. The Relieva Stratus provides local and targeted delivery of the anti-inflammatory agent to the diseased mucosa. This minimally invasive implant is an option when treating ethmoid sinusitis. From January 2011 to November 2013, a total of 52 Relieva Stratus implantations into the ethmoidal cells were performed at the Department of Ear and Oral Diseases at Tampere University Hospital, Finland. C-arm fluoroscopy guidance was employed for 26 sinuses (13 patients) and optical image-guided surgery (IGS)-assisted insertions were performed on another 26 sinuses (13 patients). The accuracy of fluoroscopic insertion is not optimal, but this method is accurate enough to prevent the violation of the skull base and lamina papyracea. IGS enables the precise treatment of the diseased cells. From a technical perspective, IGS-guided insertion is a faster, safer and more exact procedure that guarantees the optimal positioning and efficacy of the implant. Moreover, IGS guidance does not entail the use of ionizing radiation.

CT scan-guided percutaneous osteosynthesis of a complex, multifocal fracture of the pelvic girdle in a 14-year-old adolescent

We report on a 14-year-old girl with minimally displaced pelvic girdle and acetabular roof fracture following motor vehicle trauma, treated percutaneously under CT and C-arm fluoroscopic guidance by an interventional radiologist. After informed consent from the patient's parents, under surgical aseptic conditions and under general anesthesia, three screws were positioned adequately under dual guidance by a radiologist and without immediate or long-term complication. The patient was mobilized 48 h after the procedure and resumed normal activities after 1 month. Even though the technique has been described before on adults, to our knowledge this is the first time it has been described on a pediatric patient.

Lumbar intervertebral disc puncture under C-arm fluoroscopy: a new rat model of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration.

To establish a minimally invasive rat model of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) to better understand the pathophysiology of the human condition. The annulus fibrosus of lumbar level 4–5 (L4-5) and L5-6 discs were punctured by 27-gauge needles using the posterior approach under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), histological examination by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed at baseline and 2, 4, and 8 weeks after disc puncture surgery to determine the degree of degeneration. All sixty discs (thirty rats) were punctured successfully. Only two of thirty rats subjected to the procedure exhibited immediate neurological symptoms. The MRI results indicated a gradual increase in Pfirrmann grade from 4 to 8 weeks post-surgery (P<0.05), and H&E staining demonstrated a parallel increase in histological grade (P<0.05). Expression levels of aggrecan, type II collagen (Col2), and Sox9 mRNAs, which encode disc components, decreased gradually post-surgery. In contrast, mRNA expression of type I collagen (Col1), an indicator of fibrosis, increased (P<0.05). The procedure of annular puncture using a 27-gauge needle under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance had a high success rate. Histological, MRI, and RT-PCR results revealed that the rat model of disc degeneration is a progressive pathological process that is similar to human IDD.