Effective radiation dose reduction in computed tomography-guided spinal injections: a prospective, comparative study...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Interventional Procedures

Background:

• Computed tomography (CT)-guided spinal interventions offer high precision and patient comfort.
• Radiation exposure remains a significant concern, potentially limiting the use of CT-guided procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate technical methods for reducing radiation dose in CT-guided lumbar epidural and periradicular injections.
• To evaluate the feasibility of a low-dose protocol for these procedures.

Main Methods:

• A low-dose protocol was developed, involving reduced tube current/energy for topograms and intervention modes, and narrowed scan areas.
• Fifty-three CT-guided lumbar spinal injections were performed using the low-dose protocol.
• Results were compared to 1870 injections performed with a standard dose protocol in 2010.

Main Results:

• An average radiation dose reduction of 85% was achieved with the low-dose protocol.
• The reduction in radiation dose did not negatively impact the safety or precision of the needle placement.
• The protocol was applied to non-obese patients undergoing lumbar epidural and periradicular injections.

Conclusions:

• CT-guided lumbar epidural and periradicular injections can be performed with significantly reduced radiation doses.
• The developed low-dose protocol is effective and safe, addressing concerns about radiation exposure.
• This approach enhances the safety profile of CT-guided spinal interventions.