Animated at right:
Open MR image-guided
injection of the L5/S1 disk space
MRI provides precise target
and trajectory information so that a small caliber
needle can be guided directly into the disk space
Under X-ray guidance, much pain arises when the needle
is used to "explore" along bone surfaces
to find an opening. This step can be avoided with
MRI guidance.
Injection with anaesthetic can
prove that a disk is the source of pain, while steroid
medication can provide extended relief.
The contrast T2 image obtained
after injection provides a detailed view of any anular
tear in the disk.
The use of Open MRI guidance
avoids considerable genital/pelvic irradiation necessary
for disk injections under X-ray fluoroscopy.
