Facet joint injections are a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat pain originating from the facet joints, which are small joints between the vertebrae in the spine. These joints can become inflamed or irritated due to conditions such as facet syndrome, osteoarthritis, or spinal injuries, leading to chronic pain. Facet joint injections deliver a combination of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication directly into the joint space to provide significant pain relief and enhance mobility.
The facet joint injection procedure includes several important steps:
Patients may receive a mild sedative to help them relax. The treatment area is cleansed thoroughly to minimize the risk of infection.
The procedure typically takes place in a sterile environment. Using fluoroscopic guidance (real-time X-ray imaging), a thin needle is carefully inserted into the facet joint space.
Once the needle is correctly positioned, a local anesthetic and corticosteroid mixture is injected. The anesthetic provides immediate pain relief, while the corticosteroid reduces inflammation and prolongs relief.
After the injection, patients are monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications. Dr. Rajarshi Bahadur provides specific aftercare instructions, including guidance on activity levels and potential follow-up appointments.
Many patients report significant pain reduction shortly after the procedure, often enabling a return to daily activities with less discomfort.
Facet joint injections can confirm the source of pain, guiding further treatment strategies and decisions, including whether surgery might be necessary.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day, usually with minimal downtime.
While facet joint injections are generally safe, there are potential risks to be aware of:
While osteoid osteoma ablation is generally safe, potential risks may include:
