OBJECTIVE: Caudal epidural steroid injections are used for the symptomatic treatment of radicular lumbosacral pain syndromes, but incorrect injection placement has been recognized as a common problem with the routinely used unguided technique. We aimed to explore the use of sonography to facilitate this procedure. METHODS: In patients with clinically unreliable anatomic landmarks, high-resolution real-time sonography was used to identify those landmarks and to assist in correct needle placement. RESULTS: Sonography enabled localization of the sacral hiatus landmarks. We found this method particularly useful for guiding needle placement in patients with moderate obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time sonography can facilitate caudal epidural steroid injections.
OBJECTIVE: Caudal epidural steroid injections are used for the symptomatic treatment of radicular lumbosacral pain syndromes, but incorrect injection placement has been recognized as a common problem with the routinely used unguided technique. We aimed to explore the use of sonography to facilitate this procedure. METHODS: In patients with clinically unreliable anatomic landmarks, high-resolution real-time sonography was used to identify those landmarks and to assist in correct needle placement. RESULTS: Sonography enabled localization of the sacral hiatus landmarks. We found this method particularly useful for guiding needle placement in patients with moderate obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time sonography can facilitate caudal epidural steroid injections.
Authors: Ki Deok Park; Tai Kon Kim; Woo Yong Lee; JaeKi Ahn; Sung Hoon Koh; Yongbum Park Journal: Medicine (Baltimore) Date: 2015-12 Impact factor: 1.817