The Validation of Ultrasound-Guided Target Segment Identification in Thoracic Spine As Confirmed by Fluoroscopy

Overview

Journal Clin Orthop Surg

Specialty Orthopedics

Date 2017 Dec 5

PMID 29201300

Citations 1

Authors

Ju-Yeong Heo

Ji-Won Lee

Cheol-Hwan Kim

Sang-Min Lee

Yong-Soo Choi

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The role of ultrasound in the thoracic spine has been underappreciated, partly because of the relative efficacy of the landmark-guided technique and the limitation of imaging through the narrow acoustic windows produced by the bony framework of thoracic spine. The aim of this study was to make a comparison between the 12th rib and the spinous process of C7 as a landmark for effective ultrasound-guided target segment identification in the thoracic spine.

Methods: Ultrasonography of 44 thoracic spines was performed and the same procedure was carried out 1 week later again. The target segments (T3-4, T7-8, and T10-11) were identified using the 12th rib (group 1) or the spinous process of C7 (group 2) as a starting landmark. Ultrasound scanning was done proximally (group 1) or distally (group 2) toward the target transverse process and further medially and slightly superior to the target thoracic facet. Then, a metal marker was placed on the T3-4, T7-8, and T10-11 and the location of each marker was confirmed by fluoroscopy.

Results: In the total 132 segments, sonographic identification was confirmed to be successful with fluoroscopy in 84.1% in group 1 and 56.8% in group 2. Group 1 had a greater success rate in ultrasound-guided target segment identification than group 2 ( = 0.001), especially in T10-11 (group 1, 93.2%; group 2, 43.2%; = 0.001) and T7-8 (group 1, 86.4%; group 2, 56.8%; = 0.002). The intrarater reliability of ultrasound-guided target segment identification was good (group 1, = 0.76; group 2, = 0.82), showing no difference between right and left sides. Ultrasound-guided target segment identification was more effective in the non-obese subjects ( = 0.001), especially in group 1.

Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided detection using the 12th rib as a starting landmark for scanning could be a promising technique for successful target segment identification in the thoracic spine.

Citing Articles

Consensus practice guidelines on interventions for lumbar facet joint pain from a multispecialty, international working group.

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