Ultrasound-guided costovertebral joint injection—technique description and fluoroscopy and computerized tomography combined controlled cadaveric feasibility study

Abstract Objectives To describe and assess the feasibility of an ultrasound-guided technique for intra-articular injection of the costovertebral joints, in an unembalmed cadaveric specimen, utilizing fluoroscopy and cone beam computerized tomography for confirmation of contrast spread and needle tip position, respectively. Methodology A single unembalmed cadaveric specimen was obtained. A single interventionist performed the placement of the needles under ultrasound guidance. Contrast dye was then injected through each of the needles under real-time fluoroscopy. Finally, the specimen was submitted to a cone beam computerized tomography with 3-dimensional acquisition and multiplanar reformatting to assess final needle tip position relative to the costovertebral joints. Results In total, 18 spinal needles were placed under ultrasound guidance. Fluoroscopy showed 4 distinct patterns of contrast spread: intra-articular in the costovertebral joint (13 levels in total), epidural (1 level), intra-articular in the facet joint of the target level (3 levels), and undetermined (1 level). Cone-beam computerized tomography confirmed 13 out of 18 needles to be adequately placed in the costovertebral joints (72% of the total) and 5 out of the 18 needles to be misplaced: 3 needles were placed in the facet joint of the target level, and 2 needles were placed in the epidural space. Conclusions This study suggests that, when performed by experienced interventionists, this technique has an accuracy rate of 72%. Further studies are warranted before these results can be extrapolated to daily clinical practice.