Percutaneous therapy versus surgery in chronic back pain: how important is imaging in decision-making?. (April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kelekis, Alexis D; Filippiadis, Dimitris
• Is Part Of: Imaging in medicine. Volume 5:Number 2(2013)
• Page Start: 187
• Page End: 196
• Publication Date: 2013-04
• Subjects: chronic -- imaging -- low back pain -- percutaneous therapy -- surgery; Diagnostic imaging -- Periodicals; 616.075405
• DOI: 10.2217/iim.13.15
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-5205

Abstract

This article addresses whether or not imaging (including both noninvasive and invasive techniques) is important in decision-making for the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain. It begins by studying the characteristics of low back pain. A brief summary of all diagnostic techniques is given, including radiography and axial imaging with CT and MRI, as well as invasive techniques (i.e., discography, myelography and infiltrations). A close and critical inspection is then made upon the value and limitations inherent in these different techniques. In conclusion, future improved imaging that will contribute to more proper patient selection is described.