Intercostal Nerve Injection, In-Plane Approach, Ultrasound Guidance

Abstract

Unlike fluoroscopy, ultrasound guidance has a true “safety view” because ultrasound can be used to image the intercostal space in real time, while avoiding the underlying pleura. In addition, unlike fluoroscopy, ultrasound can be utilized to evaluate potential pneumothorax. Ultrasound-guided and fluoroscopy-guided intercostal nerve blocks have similar efficacy in pain relief. An additional technique (which will not be further described in this book) combines ultrasound guidance with neurostimulation to ensure proximity to the intercostal nerve for diagnostic accuracy.

keywords

costochondritis, Intercostal nerve, intercostal neuralgia, post thoracotomy, rib fracture, rib pain, Tietze syndrome, ultrasound

Note: Please see pages ii , iii for a list of anatomic terms/abbreviations used throughout this book.

Unlike fluoroscopy, ultrasound guidance has a true “safety view” because ultrasound can be used to image the intercostal space in real time, while avoiding the underlying pleura. In addition, unlike fluoroscopy, ultrasound can be utilized to evaluate potential pneumothorax. Ultrasound-guided and fluoroscopy-guided intercostal nerve blocks have similar efficacy in pain relief. An additional technique (which will not be further described in this book) combines ultrasound guidance with neurostimulation to ensure proximity to the intercostal nerve for diagnostic accuracy.