Facet infiltration is the injection of locally effective medication into and around the so-called facet joints of the spine. Facet infiltration is usually used as part of pain therapy. Facet infiltration is carried out under visual control using X-ray or computer tomography. This allows the doctor to apply the medication solution precisely to the desired location without endangering neighboring structures.
You can find further information and selected specialists for facet infiltration here.
The most important area of application for facet infiltration is so-called facet syndrome. This refers to chronic pain in different areas of the spine caused by changes in the small vertebral joints (facet joints).
Depending on where the spinal disease occurs, the symptoms can be diagnosed as
can be subdivided. However, most people affected suffer from pain in the lower back area, which mainly occurs after prolonged walking or standing. It can radiate to adjacent areas of the body such as the groin, hips or thighs.
In some cases of chronic back pain, conservative treatment with pain medication and physiotherapy is not successful. Facet infiltration can also help here. The cause of the pain is often wear and tear to the joints and/or intervertebral discs of the spine. This damage is caused by
Facet infiltration therapy is carried out by injecting a local anesthetic. This is a medication that leads to a localized elimination of pain. In some cases, the doctor also applies a glucocorticoid (cortisone) to reduce inflammation.
The infiltration is carried out precisely with a thin needle into the facet joints or in their immediate vicinity. The doctor checks the infiltration site using an X-ray or CT scan to ensure that the surrounding nerve tissue is not endangered by the injection.
You can see the treatment procedure for facet infiltration in the following video:
The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis and only takes a few minutes. After the treatment, however, it is recommended that you remain in the treatment room for around 30 minutes and take it easy.
The effectiveness of the procedure depends on individual factors. Most patients notice a reduction in pain immediately after the first treatment. However, in some cases several infiltrations are necessary before the symptoms disappear completely.
In addition to pain therapy, you must follow the doctor's recommendations regarding exercise therapy and correct weight-bearing on the spine. Targeted physiotherapy helps to build up muscles, strengthens the spine and has a preventive effect against joint damage.
In principle, facet infiltration performed by a specialist under visual control is not associated with any particular risk. Complications and side effects only occur in very rare cases.
During infiltration, blood vessels in the infiltration area may be injured, resulting in the formation of a hematoma. In most cases, hematoma formation does not require treatment. Very large hematomas that exert pressure on surrounding tissue can be surgically removed if necessary.
It is important to inform your doctor of possible contraindications before infiltration. These are medications or pre-existing conditions that would make facet infiltration more risky. Facet infiltration is too risky if, for example
Injuries to neighboring structures such as nerves, nerve roots or the spinal cord are very rare. They lead to
in the area supplied by the affected nerves. In most cases, however, these symptoms disappear on their own after a few days.
Using facet infiltration, the doctor injects active substances directly into the area of the facet joints, where they can develop their full effect © Matthieu | AdobeStock
After facet infiltration, there are relatively frequent sensory disturbances and muscle weakness in the treated area. These are normal reactions to the treatment, which usually disappear within two hours.
It is best to plan infiltration appointments so that there is sufficient time for complete physical regeneration afterwards.
Facet infiltrations are suitable as a therapeutic option for the treatment of facet syndrome and chronic back pain if the pain symptoms have been clarified by a specialist and other treatment methods have not led to the desired success.
Specialists in orthopaedics and traumatology of the musculoskeletal system aresuitable contacts for individual treatment of diseases of the spine and musculoskeletal system.
Ergo- and physiotherapeutic measures are suitable for supplementing and supporting specialist treatment.
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