| Vol. 3, Issue 2, Article 1 |
|
Westesson, et al. |
We use biplane fluoroscopy, moderate conscious sedation, and local anesthesia. We use 13-gauge bone biopsy needles. Ancef 1g IV is given pre-operatively.
The AP tube is angled to find the oval appearance of the pedicle for the entry. In most cases we use a bilateral approach with one needle through left and another through the right pedicle.
As the needle is advanced into the pedicle, the position of the needle tip is checked frequently in both planes. On the AP view the needle tip should not touch the medial curve of the pedicle which forms the wall of spinal canal. On the lateral view the needle should be parallel to the superior and inferior edge of the pedicle.
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