Accuracy of CT guidance of lumbar facet joint block

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. Lumbar facet joint block is generally performed under fluoroscopic guidance. The purpose of this study was to assess the technical success rate of facet joint block under CT guidance. The CT scanner was operated tableside with a step-and-shoot mode for intermittent needle visualization, and the amount of radiation used to perform the procedures was estimated. CONCLUSION. CT-guided facet joint block is safe and rapid. Use of CT ensures reliable needle guidance with extremely high procedural accuracy at an effective radiation dose comparable to that of a procedure performed with 1 minute of fluoroscopic guidance. © American Roentgen Ray Socoety.