[Interventions on facet joints. Techniques of facet joint injection, medial branch block and radiofrequency ablation]

Abstract

Fluoroscopy-guided interventions on facet joints have been used for decades for the symptomatic management of pain in spinal disorders. A large number of imaging techniques are used to achieve a precise and safe needle placement in interventional procedures. Pulsed fluoroscopy is one of the most widely used and well-accepted tools for these procedures. This article presents a technical overview of commonly used fluoroscopy-guided interventions on the facet joints of the cervical and lumbar spine, such as facet joint injection, blockade of the medial nerve branches and radiofrequency ablation.

Keywords: Block; Injection; Medial branch block; Radiofrequency ablation; Ramus medialis.