Transpedicular Contrast-enhanced CT-guided biopsy of the body and dens of the axis avoiding the trans-oral approach: Technical report and literature review

Abstract

This technical report illustrates the technique to perform computed tomography (CT)-guided bone biopsies in the body and dens of the axis (C2 vertebra) through a posterior transpedicular approach with the use of preoperative contrast-enhanced scans to highlight the course of the vertebral artery. The technique is presented through two exemplification cases: a pediatric patient with osteoblastoma and secondary aneurysmal bone cyst and one adult patient with melanoma metastasis. This case highlights the potential of the CT-guided posterolateral/transpedicular approach for performing safe and effective biopsies in the body and dens of C2, even in pediatric patients.

Keywords

• axis
• bone neoplasm
• cervical vertebra
• image-guided biopsy
• radiology
• interventional
• spiral computed
• tomography
• cancer metastasis
• sarcoma