Interventional Spine

treating chronic back pain and

other spine conditions

Because the spine is such an intricate structure, Interventional Radiology has drastically improved the available options for treating chronic back pain and other spine conditions. Using imaging technology, interventional radiologists are able to guide small needles, catheters, and other devices into the delicate spinal anatomy with minimal disruption to the surrounding area. Spinal interventions can diagnose degenerative disc disease, reduce pain from compression fractures and herniated discs, and stabilize fractures caused by cancer or osteoporosis.

Common conditions include:

KYPHOPLASTY

Balloon kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure, is used to restore stability to fractured or damaged vertebrae caused by traumatic injury, cancer, or osteoporosis. During the procedure, a small incision is made above the fracture and a small, narrow tube inserted. Interventional radiologists then attach a narrow orthopedic balloon to the tip of the catheter. In most cases, two balloons are used — one on either side of the spine. Once the balloons are in place, they are inflated, creating space within the fractured vertebrae and returning it to its pre-damage height. The balloons are then quickly removed and quick set orthopedic glue injected to hold the vertebrae in the correct position. Kyphoplasty can decrease chronic pain and stabilize the spine.

PERCUTANEOUS THERMAL ABLATION OF TUMOR

Surgery is not often a treatment option for painful spinal tumors. Interventional radiologists can treat painful spinal tumors by applying thermal ablation to destroy cancer cells. These sites are then filled with quick set orthopedic glue to stabilize the bone. Thermal ablation can also be used in conjunction with other treatments to improve therapeutic outcomes.

THERAPEUTIC NERVE INJECTION

Interventional radiologists use imaging to guide small needles adjacent to inflamed nerves to inject anesthetics or steroids for diagnostic and therapeutic results.