CT-guided scapulothoracic bursal injection-technical considerations in planning needle trajectory and confirming bursal distribution.

Abstract

To describe a technique of targeted CT-guided scapulothoracic bursal injections in an illustrated and step-wise manner. This technical report describes the authors' experience in using CT guidance for targeted scapulothoracic bursal injections in 8 patients with suspected scapulothoracic bursitis over an 18-month period. The outcome of the image-guided injection was retrospectively assessed in 8 patients. None of the patients had any complications related to the procedure. Symptomatic improvement was achieved in 62.5% of the patients while 25% of patients did not report any benefit from the injection. In providing a record of needle tip position and contrast distribution, CT-guided scapulothoracic bursal injections provide an objective record of the procedure, which may assist in further treatment planning.