Facet Joint InjectionA facet Joint injection involves injecting a mixture of a steroid (anti-inflammatory) medication and local anaesthetic into the facet joint to provide temporary pain relief. Facet joints provide stability and are small joints located at each segment of the spine. The injection can be performed at all levels of the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar).
Preparation
Please go to the peri-operative department on the day of your procedure and the staff there will prepare you and perform a set of routine observations before coming to the interventional radiology department for your procedure. Please continue to take all your regular medication with sips of water (unless otherwise instructed), including your blood pressure medication. You will need to bring any previous films (x-ray/CT/MRI/US) along to your appointment. It is important that you inform a member of staff as soon as possible if you are pregnant BEFORE the procedure is performed. If you suspect that you could be pregnant then you will need to have a pregnancy test at the hospital prior to the commencement of the procedure. For health and safety reasons, family members cannot be present with you during the procedure. A staff member will be available to assist you at all times during the procedure if you have any concerns. A doctor will explain the procedure beforehand and you will be required to sign a consent form. If you require an interpreter, please inform the booking clerk at the time of booking. Procedure
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. All jewellery and metal objects in the area to be scanned will need to be removed as this can cause artefacts and obscure the images. You will be positioned on your stomach on the procedure table. A sterile sheet will be draped over you with the part of the back exposed. The doctor will use imaging assistance such as CT to determine the best place to put the injection. Local anaesthetic will be injected into the skin, fat and underlying muscle around the area to be injected. This injection will numb the area. The needle will be inserted in increments with the aid of CT imaging. Every time the needle is advanced a picture is taken. This is to ensure the needle is placed in the correct area. Once the needle is confirmed to be in the correct position, local anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory steroid are injected into the facet joint. After the Procedure
A small dressing will be applied to the injection site. It can be common to experience slight leg weakness/numbing post procedure. Staff will discuss with you what level of activity is suitable after your procedure. Results
A report regarding your procedure will be given to you before you leave to give to your referring doctor. It contains information about your procedure. Preparation Checklist
Don't forget to bring these along to your appointment
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