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Musculoskeletal Procedures

Discography

X-ray guided injection of intervertebral discs of the back. Purpose is to determine the anatomy of the disc and to selectively determine if one or more discs are the cause of pain. Discography is very important in determining whether you are a candidate for surgical fusion, what levels need to be fused, and the likelihood of a good response after surgical fusion.

Percutaneous Vertebroplasty

X-ray guided injection of cement into fractured vertebral bodies, which often occur as the result of osteoporosis. The purpose of vertebroplasty is to obtain permanent pain relief from vertebral body compression fractures. Percutaneous vertebroplasty successfully relieves pain related to fractured vertebral bodies in approximately 80% of individuals.

Arthrography

X-ray guided injection of anesthetic and contrast agent into the joint of interest. The purpose is to better image the internal anatomy of the joint for more accurate diagnosis and surgical planning.

Therapeutic Joint Injection

X-ray guided aspiration of joint fluid followed by injection of anesthetic and steroid into the joint. The purpose is obtain sample of joint fluid for analysis (if fluid is present), determine if the joint is the cause of pain (as determined by response to injection), and to obtain temporary pain relief lasting hours to months.

Facet Injection

Precise X-ray or CT guided injection of anesthetic and steroid into the small joints of the neck or back. The purpose is to determine if the facet joint is the cause of pain (as determined by response to injection) and to obtain pain relief lasting hours to months. There are two facet joints at each spinal segment with five lumbar segments and 7 cervical segments. Often multiple injections are performed at different segments to identify which segments are generating pain. The procedure is very important for precise diagnosis and treatment of neck and low back pain.

Sacroiliac Joint Injection

Precise X-ray or CT guided injection of anesthetic and steroid into the sacroiliac joint. The purpose is to determine if the sacroiliac joint is the cause of pain (as determined by response to injection) and to obtain pain relief lasting hours to months. There are two sacroiliac joints at the base of the spine. The procedure is very important for precise diagnosis and treatment of neck and low back pain.

Transforaminal Epidural and Selective Nerve Blocks

Precise X-ray or CT guided injection of anesthetic and corticosteroids around selected nerves in the neck and low back. The purpose is to determine the cause of pain (as determined by response to injection) and to obtain pain relief lasting hours to months. There are five lumbar segments and 7 cervical segments. Often multiple injections are performed at different segments to identify which segments are generating pain. The procedure is very important for precise diagnosis and treatment of neck and low back pain.

Epidural Injection

Precise X-ray guided injection of anesthetic and steroid into space surrounding the spinal canal. The purpose is to refine diagnosis and to obtain pain relief lasting hours to months.

Bone and Soft Tissue Biopsy

X-ray or ultrasound guided placement of a needle into an abnormality found on physical exam or radiology examination. The purpose is to obtain a tissue or fluid sample for definitive diagnosis.

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