Applications of focused ultrasound for spinal disorders and beyond: Advances and future prospects – a narrative review

Abstract

Ultrasound technology is a cornerstone of diagnostic medicine throughout the world. Equally noteworthy is its utility in therapeutics, leveraging the precise deposition of ultrasound energy within diverse tissues for a growing spectrum of therapeutic effects. It is in the interest of neurosurgeons — especially those managing patients with spine-specific morbidities such as back pain and motor disorders — to understand the basis and examples of such use. While transcranial focused ultrasound (tcFUS) dominates research and trials, both clinical interest and research in transpinal FUS may upend spine care from minimally to non-invasive. Although challenges both technical and specific to the spine exist, overcoming them will optimize integration into clinical practice.