Ultrasonography of the Shoulder
The shoulder is the most common region to be evaluated with musculoskeletal ultrasound. The shoulder’s complex anatomy enables an exceptional range of mobility at the expense of static stability. Consequently,…
Basic Appearance of Ultrasound Structures and Pitfalls
The role of ultrasound in musculoskeletal imaging is expanding as technology advances and clinicians become better educated about its clinical applications. The main use of musculoskeletal ultrasound to physiatrists is…
The Use of Spinal Cord Stimulation and Intrathecal Drug Delivery in the Treatment of Low Back-Related Pain
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and intrathecal drug delivery (IDD) are forms of neuromodulation, meaning that they are reversible and nondestructive. SCS is generally limited to conditions such as radiculopathy and…
Percutaneous Vertebroplasty: Role in Treatment of Vertebral Compression Fractures
Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disorder. Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are a significant cause of back pain. Pain after VCF can be attributed to incomplete healing and progressive…
Discography
Discography is a purely diagnostic interventional procedure performed to confirm or refute the hypothesis that a specific lumbar disc is the predominant source of a patient’s low back pain. In…
Lumbar and Sacral Radiofrequency Neurotomy
Radiofrequency (RF) neurotomy is an interventional procedure used to alleviate certain types of low back pain. RF energy is used to thermally coagulate the specific nerves that transmit pain signals….
Sacroiliac Joint and Lumbar Zygapophysial Joint Corticosteroid Injections
The sacroiliac joint and the lumbar zygapophysial joints are both known pain generators with demonstrated pain-referral patterns. They are both amenable to image-guided intraarticular injection of corticosteroids, a procedure that…
Epidural Steroid Injections for Low Back Pain
Epidural steroid injection (ESI) has been used as a treatment for low back pain for over 50 years. In the last 10 to 15 years, there has been a significant…
Interventional Treatment for Low Back Pain: General Risks
The commonly performed spinal procedures, such as epidural injections, spinal nerve blocks, zygapophysial joint (z-joint) interventions, and discography, are reported to be safe. However, diagnostic and therapeutic spinal interventions can…
Pharmacologic Treatment for Low Back Pain: One Component of Pain Care
Analgesic medications are commonly used for low back pain (LBP). Evidence on the efficacy of pharmacologic therapy for LBP comes from clinical trials that have many limitations, including short-term studies…
