Radiographically guided disc aspiration and abscess drainage are minimally invasive procedures used to obtain material for culture and to drain pus. It is done under light sedation and often yields material that can help determine if an infection is going on and which is the best antibiotic treatment.
Abscess related to the spine can be drained in a similar fashion as intra-abdominal abscesses. Fluoroscopic or CT guidance is often used.