Journal Club: Interventions for Lumbar Facetogenic Pain

Spine & Nerve

In this week's episode of the Spine & Nerve podcast Dr. Nicolas Karvelas and Dr. Brian Joves continue the discussion on lumbar facetogenic pain with a journal club. Lumbar spondylosis with a primary pain generator of facet joint pain is a common pathology that can have a significant negative impact on a patient’s function and health. There are multiple Interventional treatment options available to address lumbar facetogenic pain including lumbar medial branch blocks, intraarticular facet joint injections, and lumbar medial branch radiofrequency ablation (RFA). There is high quality evidence for the utilization of RFA for axial low back pain due to lumbar facetogenic pain. As with all medical interventions, It is important to continue evaluating patient factors that can alter the expected outcomes. Listen as the doctors discuss a recent article investigating factors that predict outcome after facet joint treatment. The second article reviewed is one of the landmark studies regarding medial branch blocks prior to RFA. Medial branch blocks are a critical tool in the diagnosis of lumbar facetogenic pain, and are the gold standard diagnostic tool prior to consideration of RFA. This podcast is for information and educational purposes only, it is not meant to be medical or career advice. If anything discussed may pertain to you, please seek council with your healthcare provider. The views expressed are those of the individuals expressing them, the may not represent the views of Spine & Nerve. References: 1. Javed S, Chen J, Huh B. Predictors of response to medial branch block, radiofrequency ablation or facet joint injections: a retrospective study. Pain Manag. 2021 Mar;11(2):145-149. 2. Cohen SP, Moon JY, Brummett CM, White RL, Larkin TM. Medial Branch Blocks or Intra-Articular Injections as a Prognostic Tool Before Lumbar Facet Radiofrequency Denervation: A Multicenter, Case-Control Study. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2015 Jul-Aug;40(4):376-83.