In vivo measurements of medial branch nerve depth and adjacent osseous structures for ablation of facet-related back pain: Predictors for patient candidacy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Medial branch (MB) targeting during RF ablation for facetogenic back pain is usually performed with flouroscopic guidance yet no specific measurements on the target depth have been published. In order to understand candidacy for other potential ablation methods, we sought to determine the actual MB depth and measurements of adjacent osseous structures.

Methods

CT scans without contrast of the lumbar spine performed in the supine position were retrospectively analyzed in 100 patients. Axial slices less than or equal to 2.5 mm with sagittal and coronal reformations were evaluated. The following distances were measured bilaterally at the L2-L5 levels: The depth from the skin to the MB nerve (anatomic target for RF ablation) at a 15° angulation, the smallest width of

SUBMITTER: Zwiebel H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8820050 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature