Facet Joint Injection

The Facet joints are located at each vertebral level along the spine column. They are paired to right and left at each level, have opposing surfaces of cushioning tissue between the bones (cartilage) and surrounded by a joint capsule like the finger joints. Injuries can cause damage to one or both facet joints, and cartilage degeneration process may also cause pain.

The facet joint injection is an injection of an anaesthetic with a long lasting steroid in the facet joints in cases where the facet joint itself is the pain generator. The fact joint injection reduces the inflammation in the joint space. This can reduce pain, and other symptoms caused by inflammation such as nerve irritation. The facet joint injections are often used as a diagnostic tool to isolate and confirm the specific source of pain for the patient.