Maria Tsitskari MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Dimitrios Filippiadis MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Lazaros Reppas BS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Efthimia Alexopoulou, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Nikolaos L. Kelekis MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alexios Kelekis MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Consultant, Benvenue Medical, Inc

Baastrup disease refers to pathology of adjacent spinous processes of degenerative origin resulting in back pain with central distribution. Purpose of this study is to assess safety and efficacy of percutaneous, fluoroscopy-guided infiltrations in a consecutive series of patients suffering from symptomatic Baastrup disease.

During the last 4 years, 55 patients suffering from Baastrup disease (diagnosed clinically and by imaging findings) underwent percutaneous, fluoroscopy-guided infiltration. Diagnosis was performed both clinically and with imaging studies (x-ray or Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging). The position of the needle (22 Gauge spinal needle) was fluoroscopically verified at the level of interspinous-midspinous ligament. Once in proper position, a mixture of long acting glucocorticosteroid with local anesthetic (1.5/1 cc) was injected. A questionnaire with NVS scale helped assessing pain relief degree, life quality and mobility improvement.

A total of 67 sessions was performed in our patient sample (1.21 infiltration /patient). In 12/55 patients (21.8%) a second infiltration was performed within 7-10 days apart from the first one. Comparing the pain scores prior (mean value 8.18±1.44 NVS units) and after (mean value 0.62±0.93 NVS units) there was a mean decrease of 7.56±1.686 NVS units units (p<0.001) on terms of pain reduction, effect upon mobility and life quality. There were no clinically significant complications noted in our study.

Fluoroscopy-guided infiltrations seem to be a feasible, efficacious and safe approach for pain reduction and mobility improvement in patients with Baastrup disease. Imaging guidance ensures proper needle positioning as well as enhances efficacy and safety.

Corticosteroid infiltration for Baastrup disease is a safe and efficient therapy for pain reduction and mobility improvement; imaging guidance ensures accurate needle placement and augments safety and efficacy.

Tsitskari, M, Filippiadis, D, Reppas, L, Alexopoulou, E, Kelekis, N, Kelekis, A, Baastrup Disease (Kissing Spine Syndrome): Safety and Efficacy of Imaging- Guided Infiltrations.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14045786.html