Efficacy and outcome predictors of fluoroscopy-guided facet joint injection for spondylolysis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the efficacy of fluoroscopy-guided facet joint injection for symptomatic spondylolysis and to analyze the outcome predictors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study included 108 patients who underwent fluoroscopy-guided facet joint steroid injection for symptomatic spondylolysis with follow-up medical records from January 2013 to December 2016. Among them, 47 patients underwent concomitant epidural steroid injection. Response to injection was assessed at the initial follow-up. The symptom-free interval was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Outcome predictors were statistically analyzed using independent t test and Chi-square test.

RESULTS:

The facet joint injection was effective in 52 of 108 (48.1%) patients at initial follow-up. Recurrence was reported in 21 of these 52 (40.4%) patients. For the 52 patients in whom facet joint injection was effective, the median symptom-free interval was 298 days (95% confidence interval, 29-567 days). No significant difference was found in the response between the group with facet joint injection only (n = 61) and the group with facet joint injection and additional ESI (n = 47). Additionally, no significant outcome predictors were detected.

CONCLUSIONS:

Fluoroscopy-guided facet joint injection may potentially be an effective therapy for providing prolonged pain relief and avoiding unnecessary surgery for symptomatic spondylolysis without significant outcome predictors.

• Authors: Woo Young Kang, Joon Woo Lee, Eugene Lee, Yusuhn Kang, Joong Mo Ahn, Heung Sik Kang
• Journal: Skeletal radiology (Skeletal Radiol) Vol. 47 Issue 8 Pg. 1137-1144 (Aug 2018) ISSN: 1432-2161 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 29396693 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Female
• Fluoroscopy (methods)
• Humans
• Injections, Intra-Articular (methods)
• Lumbar Vertebrae
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Radiography, Interventional (methods)
• Retrospective Studies
• Spondylolysis (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult
• Zygapophyseal Joint