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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
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Spinal Sonography for Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Neuraxial Anesthesia
Published on: January 31, 2025
Feasibility of Intraoperative Intraspinal Endosonography Using a Miniaturized Ultrasound Probe Through an Extended
Ralf Stroop1,2, Samer Zawy Alsofy1,3, Makoto Nakamura4
1Faculty of Health, Department of Medicine, Witten-Herdecke University, 58455 Witten, Germany.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Intraoperative intraspinal endosonography (IOISES) using a miniaturized probe is feasible for minimally invasive spine surgery. This technique offers real-time intraspinal visualization of neural structures, aiding decompression assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Imaging
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Intraoperative ultrasound for lumbar spinal decompression was explored previously.
- Conventional probes are unsuitable for minimally invasive spinal surgery due to large window requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of intraoperative intraspinal endosonography (IOISES).
- To assess the use of a miniaturized ultrasound probe inserted directly into the spinal canal.
Main Methods:
- Observational feasibility study involving two patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.
- A miniaturized linear ultrasound probe was inserted into the spinal canal via an extended interlaminar approach.
- Imaging was performed after decompression and hemostasis.
Main Results:
- Successful probe insertion and image acquisition in 100% of cases.
- High-resolution visualization of the dural sac and nerve roots.
- Feasible probe handling and integration into the surgical workflow without adverse events or prolonged operative time.
Conclusions:
- IOISES is technically feasible for real-time intraspinal visualization during minimally invasive spinal surgery.
- This represents a shift towards intraspinal ultrasound imaging.
- Further studies are needed to confirm reproducibility and clinical impact.
