Diagnostic value of bed-side ultrasonographic evaluation by anterior approach in spine disorders? A preliminary report

Abstract

A preliminary investigation was planned so as to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasonography for bedside evaluation of patients with suspected spinal pathology. Its application by anterior approach in 37 cases showed that herniated disc material, bone, epidural fat, scar tissue, tumoral masses and their relation to the interspace and dural sac could be visualized. A short description of the sonographic appearance of normal and pathological structures was also given in comparison to Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance images. Ultrasonographic examination was inadequate in five of the patients due to obesity, meteorism or diminution of the intervertebral disc space. Advantages of this technique are the availability almost in every hospital, the ease of obtaining images at various angles, avoiding the use of x-rays and the low price. The disadvantages are its relatively poor definition as compared to Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging and its inability to see through bone.