Ultrasound-guided and CT-navigation-assisted periradicular and facet joint injections in the lumbar and cervical spine: A new teaching tool to recognize the sonoanatomic pattern

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to provide a teaching tool to facilitate the acquirement of periradicular and facet-joint infiltration techniques in the cervical and lumbar spine. Methods: On 3 fresh cadavers, a computed tomography (CT) of the lumbar and cervical region was obtained. By use of a dedicated image navigation and reconstruction system, sonographic images were generated and fused with the collected CT data set. Results: The sonoanatomy can be instantly compared with the correlating CT-images. This new bimodal method allows for simultaneous views of CT and ultrasound images. Multiplanar imaging of ultrasound-guided infiltrations is facilitated. Conclusions: This teaching tool provides immediate CT-verification of sonographically identified structures and helps in the identification of bony landmarks, which are necessary for facet-joint and periradicular injections.