Minimally invasive interventional approaches for treatment of facet joint syndrome

Abstract

The facet syndrome is a unilateral or bilateral pain originating from the intervertebral joint. Its frequency reaches 30% of the population of patients with low back pain. Inflammation plays a significant role in cartilage degeneration and the development of osteoarthritis, and also significantly contributes to swelling with overstretching of the joint capsule and irritation of nociceptive receptors. Minimally invasive interventional approaches play a significant role in the treatment of facet syndrome. This review systemizes the ways to treat the pain through corticosteroid infiltrations and interventional denervations of the intervertebral joint, which may be complementary techniques. The literature is analyzed and our experience is presented.