A modified vertebroplasty approach for spine biopsies.

Area of Science:

• Spinal imaging and interventional radiology
• Orthopedic surgery and infectious disease diagnostics

Background:

• Percutaneous biopsy is crucial for diagnosing spinal infections like diskitis and osteomyelitis.
• Existing biopsy techniques have limitations in accessing all relevant spinal structures.

Observation:

• A modified transpedicular approach, leveraging vertebroplasty experience, was developed.
• The technique involves an exaggerated caudocranial needle trajectory.
• This allows access across the intervertebral disc space.

Findings:

• The described method enables biopsy of the disc space.
• It also allows sampling of both adjacent vertebral endplates.
• This comprehensive sampling aids in accurate diagnosis.

Implications:

• This technique offers an improved percutaneous approach for spinal infection diagnosis.
• It enhances diagnostic yield for diskitis and osteomyelitis.
• The method integrates with existing vertebroplasty procedures.