Orthopädiezentrum Wien - Modell zeigt Injektion für Wurzelblockaden unter bildwandler- und ultraschallgestützter Kontrolle.

Facet joint injection

Facet joint injection is a minimally invasive treatment method for alleviating pain caused by inflammation or osteoarthritis of the facet joints in the spine. Facet joints are small joints that connect the vertebrae and enable the mobility of the spine. By injecting a local anesthetic and a steroid into these joints, pain and inflammation can be specifically reduced.

When is the facet joint injection used?

The facet joint injection is used for various complaints and conditions, including:

 

- Osteoarthritis of the facet joints: Wear and tear of the joints leading to pain and limited movement

- Back pain: Chronic or acute pain in the lower back or neck area

- Nerve irritations: Pain caused by inflammation of the facet joints that can radiate into the extremities

- Spondylarthrosis: Degenerative changes of the spine

- Diagnostic purposes: To confirm whether the facet joints are the source of the pain

Advantages of facet joint injection

  • Targeted pain relief: Direct application of the medication at the source of the pain
  • Fast-acting: Effectively reduces pain and inflammation
  • Minimally invasive: Less traumatic than surgical procedures
  • Outpatient procedure: Usually no inpatient admission required
  • Combinability: Can be combined with other therapies such as physiotherapy
  • Diagnostic clarity: Helps identify the exact cause of the pain

Execution of the facet joint injection.

  • Examination and Consultation: The doctor conducts a thorough medical history and physical examination and discusses the exact details of the procedure with the patient.
  • Preparation: The patient is asked to lie in a comfortable position, usually on their stomach. The skin at the injection site is sterilized and numbed.
  • Procedure: Using imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy (X-ray) or ultrasound, a needle is inserted near the facet joints. Once the needle is correctly placed, the local anesthetic along with a steroid is injected.
  • Monitoring: After the injection, the patient is monitored for a short time to detect any possible side effects or unexpected reactions early.
  • Duration of the Procedure: The entire process usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

What you need to consider before the facet joint injection.

  • Health issues: Inform the doctor about existing health problems, especially allergies, blood clotting disorders, or chronic diseases.
  • Medications: Inform the doctor about any medications you are taking, especially blood thinners or medications that could affect blood clotting.
  • Fasting: Follow the doctor's instructions regarding eating and drinking before the procedure.
  • Companion: Arrange for a companion who can take you home after the procedure.

Debriefing and Consultation

After the facet joint injection, the doctor will discuss the results and your reaction to the treatment. The doctor will assess whether further injections are necessary and how they can be integrated into the overall treatment plan. Additional recommendations may include physiotherapy measures, specific exercises, or adjustments in daily life to optimize the results.


 

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Orthopädiezentrum Wien - Modell zeigt Injektion für Wurzelblockaden unter bildwandler- und ultraschallgestützter Kontrolle.

Facet joint injection

Facet joint injection is a minimally invasive treatment method for alleviating pain caused by inflammation or osteoarthritis of the facet joints in the spine. Facet joints are small joints that connect the vertebrae and enable the mobility of the spine. By injecting a local anesthetic and a steroid into these joints, pain and inflammation can be specifically reduced.

When is the facet joint injection used?

The facet joint injection is used for various complaints and conditions, including:

 

- Osteoarthritis of the facet joints: Wear and tear of the joints leading to pain and limited movement

- Back pain: Chronic or acute pain in the lower back or neck area

- Nerve irritations: Pain caused by inflammation of the facet joints that can radiate into the extremities

- Spondylarthrosis: Degenerative changes of the spine

- Diagnostic purposes: To confirm whether the facet joints are the source of the pain

Advantages of facet joint injection

  • Targeted pain relief: Direct application of the medication at the source of the pain
  • Fast-acting: Effectively reduces pain and inflammation
  • Minimally invasive: Less traumatic than surgical procedures
  • Outpatient procedure: Usually no inpatient admission required
  • Combinability: Can be combined with other therapies such as physiotherapy
  • Diagnostic clarity: Helps identify the exact cause of the pain

Execution of the facet joint injection.

  • Examination and Consultation: The doctor conducts a thorough medical history and physical examination and discusses the exact details of the procedure with the patient.
  • Preparation: The patient is asked to lie in a comfortable position, usually on their stomach. The skin at the injection site is sterilized and numbed.
  • Procedure: Using imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy (X-ray) or ultrasound, a needle is inserted near the facet joints. Once the needle is correctly placed, the local anesthetic along with a steroid is injected.
  • Monitoring: After the injection, the patient is monitored for a short time to detect any possible side effects or unexpected reactions early.
  • Duration of the Procedure: The entire process usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

What you need to consider before the facet joint injection.

  • Health issues: Inform the doctor about existing health problems, especially allergies, blood clotting disorders, or chronic diseases.
  • Medications: Inform the doctor about any medications you are taking, especially blood thinners or medications that could affect blood clotting.
  • Fasting: Follow the doctor's instructions regarding eating and drinking before the procedure.
  • Companion: Arrange for a companion who can take you home after the procedure.

Debriefing and Consultation

After the facet joint injection, the doctor will discuss the results and your reaction to the treatment. The doctor will assess whether further injections are necessary and how they can be integrated into the overall treatment plan. Additional recommendations may include physiotherapy measures, specific exercises, or adjustments in daily life to optimize the results.


 

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