How Guided Spine Injections Are Done at UCSF

UCSF Radiology uses CT to guide spine injections and procedures, unlike other centers who uses fluoroscopy. UCSF doctors are able to get more detailed imagining and thus better precision.
 

Fluoroscopy: X-ray machine that shows only 2-D view of bone and some soft tissue, but not nerves

  • Widely available community standard
  • Rely on bony landmarks
  • Soft tissue detail lacking

CT guidance

  • CT scanner uses x-rays to show fine detail in cross section of nerves, soft tissue and bone
  • Radiation doses=Fluoro
  • Visualize soft tissue and nerve
  • Alternative diagnosis often made at the time of image guidance 

Faculty

Professor
Executive Vice-Chair
Medical Director for Ambulatory Imaging
Professor & Vice-Chair

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