Lumbar radiculopathy after zygapophyseal joint injection

Abstract

We report a case of lumbar radiculopathy after zygapophyseal joint injections for chronic low back pain. The management of the patient and potential causes for the radiculopathy are discussed. The case acts as a reminder that the spinal nerve roots should be considered when performing intra-articular facet joint injections and demonstrates the importance of including nerve injury in the patient consent process as a rare, but significant complication. © The Board of Management and Trustees of the British Journal of Anaesthesia 2007. All rights reserved.