What are facet joint infiltrations and what are they used for?

Infiltrations in the facet joints of the spine are a medical procedure used to treat pain caused by inflammation and progressive deterioration of these joints in cases of osteoarthritis.

Facet and posterior medial branch infiltrations that conduct painful stimuli involve the injection of medications based on local anesthetics and cortisone directly into the affected joints or blocking the nerve that transmits pain from these joints. Local anesthetics provide temporary pain relief by blocking the transmission of pain signals, while steroids (cortisone) reduce inflammation in the joints, which also helps relieve pain.

Precision in the administration of these infiltrations is essential for their effectiveness and safety. Therefore, it is essential that they are performed at the specific point on the target joint or nerve. To achieve this, fluoroscopy is used, a real-time imaging technique that allows the doctor to precisely guide the needle to the appropriate location in the joint or nerve. This ensures that the medication is administered to the exact site where it is needed, maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment and reducing the risk of side effects.