Die Sonographie der Lendenwirbelsäule und des lumbosakralen Überganges - Sonoanatomie und Möglichkeiten der sonographisch gesteuerten Facettengelenksinfiltration

QUESTION Is sonography helpful in facet joint infiltration of the lumbar spine? METHOD The sonoanatomy of the lumbar spine and the of lumbosacral junction was examined and described in a skeleton and in 10 volunteers. One representative cross section and 3 longitudinal sections were defined. According to these results (no neurological symptoms) the possibilities of ultrasound guided infiltration of the facet joints was examined in 78 patients (36 female, 42 male, average age 55 y., 38-78 y.) with chronic low back pain and increase of pain by hyperextension. 5 ml Carbostesin partially in combination with steroids were applied to each joint. In all cases the tip of the syringe could be placed…