• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.218-224
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• 2001

Background: Response to diagnostic blocks does not consistently predict the outcome of interventional facet denervation. We investigated the relationship between pain relief by the percutaneous radiofrequency denervation of the lumbar zygapophysial joints with the result of facet joint diagnostic local anesthetic injection in patients with back pain originating from the lumbar zygapophysial joint. Methods: There were 35 patients enrolled, with ranging in age from 25 to 76 years ($52.6{\pm}12.7$ years, mean ${\pm}$ SD). We studied 7 men (20%) and 28 women (80%). All patients underwent double diagnostic block of $L_{3/4}$, $L_{4/5}$ and $L_5-S_1$ facet joint with 0.5% bupivacaine. The 35 patients fell into the following group. (1) Group A (n = 16): those who felt clear relief (pain free with Likert scale) from the double diagnostic block (2) Group B (n = 19): 11 patients who were always equivocal in their response to the double diagnostic block and 8 patients who were either pain free or equivocal in their response to the double diagnostic block. All 11 patients were done the facet joint denervation. The effect on the pain was evaluated with 4 point Likert scale 1, 6 and 12 weeks after the procedure. We evaluated the relationship between the pain response to diagnostic block and the pain relief with facet joint denervation. Results: Significant correlation was observed between the response to diagnostic block and pain relief with facet denervation (P < 0.05). We found no correlation between the categories of spinal operation and pain response to facet denervation (P value > 0.05). Conclusions: A satisfactory result of lumbar facet joint denervation can be obtained in many patients, especillay in patients whose pain were relieved by the diagnostic double facet joint block. It may be said that facet joint denervation for mechanical low back pain using radiofrequency thermocoagulation is a safe, easy, and repeatable technique.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.292-298
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• 1994

The common disorder called facet syndrome exhibits lower back pain, with or without, radiating pain to buttock and thigh due to facet joint arthropathy. Many physicians have believed that the usual lesion of facet syndrome was an anatomical impairments of facet joint itself. So facet joint block has been known only as a therapeutic and diagnostic modality of facet syndrome. Based on clinical experience and anatomical study, we have concluded varying opinions from common sense about facet syndrome. Pain in the facet joint is supposedly the secondary effect of narrowing of joint space by sustained muscle contracture around joints. We therefore conclude that spasmolytic treatment of muscles connecting the two vertebral articular space would be better for treatment and diagnosis of facet syndrome rather than facet block with local anesthetic and steroid only.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.151-155
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• 2005

Background: A significant number of patients complain of persistent pain or neurologic symptoms after lower back surgery. It is reported that facet joint pain plays a role in failed back surgery syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, there are few studies that have investigated the outcome of radiofrequency neurotomy in the patients with failed back surgery syndrome. Methods: The study group was composed of thirteen patients who were operated on due to their low back pain, and they displayed no postoperative improvement. All the patients underwent double diagnostic block of the lumbar medial branch of the dorsal rami with using 0.5% bupivacaine. The patients who revealed a positive response to the double diagnostic block were then treated with percutaneous radiofrequency neurotomy. The effect on their pain was evaluated with using a 4 point Likert scale. Results: Eleven patients revealed a positive response to the double diagnostic block. Ten patients were given percutaneous radiofrequency neurotomy. Nine patients showed sustained pain relief for 3 months after the percutaneous radiofrequency neurotomy. Conclusions: We found lumbar facet joint syndrome in the patients with failed back surgery syndrome by performing double diagnostic block and achieving pain relief during the short term follow-up after percutaneous radiofrequency neurotomy of the lumbar zygapophysial joints. This suggested that facet joint pain should be included in failed back surgery syndrome.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.3-12
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• 2024

One of the most common sources of spinal pain syndromes is the facet joints. Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar facet joint pain syndromes comprise 55%, 42%, and 31% of chronic spinal pain syndromes, respectively. Common facet joint disorders are degenerative disorders, such as osteoarthritis, hypertrophied superior articular process, and facet joint cysts; septic arthritis; systemic and metabolic disorders, such as ankylosing spondylitis or gout; and traumatic dislocations. The facet pain syndrome from osteoarthritis is suspected from a patient's history (referred pain pattern) and physical examination (tenderness). Other facet joint disorders may cause radicular pain if mass effect from a facet joint cyst, hypertrophied superior articular process, or tumors compress the dorsal root ganglion. However, a high degree of morphological change does not always provoke pain. The superiority of innervating nerve block or direct joint injection for diagnosis and treatment is still a controversy. Treatment includes facet joint injection in facet joint osteoarthritis or whiplash injury provoking referred pain or decompression in mass effect in cases of hypertrophied superior articular process or facet joint cyst eliciting radicular pain. In addition, septic arthritis is treated using a proper antibiotic, based on infected tissue or blood culture. This review describes the diagnosis and treatment of common facet joint disorders.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.390-394
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• 1996

Background: Occipital neuralgia is characterized by pain, usually deep and aching, in the distribution the second and/or third cervical dorsal root. Two broad groups of patients include primary occipital neuralgia with no apparent etiology and secondary neuralgia with structural pathology. Patients with occipital neuralgia can develop autonomic changes and hyperesthesia. In patients who have not improved with conservative treatment, we have carried out various nerve blocks and evaluated the effectiveness. Methods: In a series of 20 occipital neuralgia patients with no apparent etiolgy, we have carried out great occipital nerve blocks with needle TEAS. In patients who have not improved more than 75% on VAS with great occipital block, we have carried out C2 ganglion blocks and in patients who have not improved more than 75% with C2 ganglion block, C3 root blocks, C2/C3 facet joint blocks have been carried out in due order. Results: In 3 patients out of 10 patients who have not improved with great occipital nerve block, C2 ganglion block led to pain relief. A good response of C3 root block was achived in 2 of 7 patients without response to C2 ganglion block and C2/C3 facet joint block led to improvement in 1 of 5 patients without response to C3 root block. Conclusions: Nerve blocks like great occipital nerve block, C2 ganglion block, C3 root block, or C2/C3 facet joint block were effective in the patients who have not improved with conservative treatment.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.93-97
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• 2009

Anatomy: Facet joint syndrome most often affects the lower back and neck and refers to pain that occurs in the facet joints, which are the connections between the vertebrae in the spine that enable the spine to bend and twist. Many physicians have believed that the usual lesion of facet syndrome was an anatomical impairments of facet joint itself.. Facet joint injection using local anesthetics is a reliable method for the diagnosis and treatment for facet syndrome. Etiology: One of many possible causes is imbalances that can occur in stress levels, hormone levels, and nutritional levels. These imbalances can adversely affect posture, which can lead to neck and back pain. The common disorder called facet syndrome exhibits lower back pain, with or without, radiating pain to buttock and thigh due to facet joint arthropathy. Pain in the facet joint is supposedly the secondary effect of narrowing of joint space by sustained muscle contracture around joints. Syndrome: Facet joint syndrome tends to produce pain or tenderness in the lower back that increases with twisting or arching the body, as well as pain that moves to the buttocks or the back of the thighs. Other symptoms include stiffness or difficulty standing up straight or getting out of a chair. Pain can be felt in other areas such as the shoulders or mid-back area. Treatment: Non-drug treatments include hot packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and therapeutic exercises. Stimulating blood flow using massage or a hot tub may also help. Alternative treatments include yoga and relaxation therapy. If your pain persists after trying these treatments, a surgical procedure called radiofrequency rhizotomy, which destroys the sensory nerves of the joint, may bring relief. Facet joint injection has been helpful in diagnosis and therapy for this facet syndrome. Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of medial branches is known to be an effective method of relieving pain caused by facet joint problems. We conclude that spasmolytic treatment of muscles connecting the two vertebral articular space would be better for treatment and diagnosis of facet syndrome rather than facet block with local anesthetic and steroid only.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.131-133
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• 1997

Number of elderly patients requiring nerve blocks have been increasing in recent years. We had two elderly patients who suffered stroke one day and three days after lumbar facet joint block and lumbar single epidural block respectively. Both patients due to their advanced age had potential risk factor to suffer one or more of the following; stroke, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Due to our experience with these patients, we suggested the following: (1) Nerve blocks should be reconsidered for elderly patient who posesses a potential risk factor to suffer a stroke. (2) Prior to invasive block administration of mild sedatives or analgesics may provide beneficial effects for patients with hypertension. (3) Adequately informed consent must be fully discussed time of consultation with patient scheduled for nerve block especially for elderly and risky patient.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2014

Background: This study tests the hypothesis that of bipolar radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the thoracic facet joint capsule may provide a safe and effect method of pain control from thoracic facet origin. Methods: Among patients suffering from localized mid back pain, nine patients with thoracic facet disease confirmed by magnetic resonance image and diagnostic thoracic facet block were enrolled. Bipolar radiofrequency ablation in the inferior aspect of the thoracic facet joint was done. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was measured pre-intervention and 1 month post-intervention. Any complications and changes in amount of pain medication were recorded. Results: Significant 47.6% reduction in VAS was noted at 1 month. There were no serious complications. Conclusions: Intra-articular bipolar radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the thoracic facet joint may be a technically easier and valid method of treating mid back pain of thoracic facet origin.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.54-58
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• 2010

Purpose: In patients with chronic cervical pain, the facet joint is the source of the majority. Due to the difficulty of identifying the exact location of the joint that causes these symptoms, the possibility of complications and the placebo effect brings clinical application into question. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of patients with chronic cervical pain and report the diagnostic and therapeutic usefulness of ultrasonography - guided facet joint block therapy. Materials and Methods: Patients with nonspecific chronic cervical pain for more than 6 months were selected. Patients with disc herniation, sciatica-related pain were excluded from the study and 160 patients who failed in conservative treatment (physical therapy, chiropractic therapy, medication) were included in the study. Diagnostic Ultrasonography-guided facet joint block was performed with 1% lidocaine, and after two weeks, Bupivacaine 0.25% was used in patients who tested positive for lidocaine. Patients with more than 75% pain reduction during movement after facet joint block were considered positive. Results: Among the 160 patients with chronic cervical pain, 96 patients(60%) had a positive reaction after facet block using lidocaine. Among the 64 patients with a negative reaction to lidocaine, 48 patients(75%) had a positive reaction to bupivacaine. There were 48 false positive patients(50%) who showed a positive reaction to lidocaine but a negative reaction to bupivacaine. The mean VAS of the total 160 patients before blocks was 8.5, after 2 weeks follow up it decreased to 2.7 (p = 0.001) and after 4weeks 3.6 (p = 0.001). The 8 patients as an initial improvement of symptoms are not satisfied with the procedure and the 3 patients had been worsened during observation, were showed pain relief after additional ultrasonography-guided facet joint block at 4th week. Conclusion: A single ultrasonography-guided block to chronic cervical pain patients has relatively low diagnostic value since high false positive rate. The twice facet joint blocks is thought to be a useful method for interventional pain management of patients with chronic cervical pain.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.174-180
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• 1989

An intra-articular lumbar facet joint block with a local anesthetic and asteroid is a reliable method of diagnosis and therapy for low back pain and/or sciatica caused by lumbar facet arthropathy under fluoroscopy. We injected 40 mg of methylperdnisolone acetate and 1 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine into each lumbar facet joint to 14 patients. The results are as follows: 1) Excellent pain relief in 2 patients (14.29%) 2) Good pain relief in 6 patients (42.85%) 3) Fair pain relief in 4 patients (28.57%) 4) Non effective pain relief in 2 patients (14.29%).