Facet Injection

What is it?
Facet injection is a non-surgical treatment used to relieve pain in the neck, arms, lower back or legs caused by inflammation and pressure on the joints of the spine. A long-lasting steroid is injected into the joint space or near the nerve adjacent to the joint.

facetFacet injection should NOT be performed on people who have an infection, pregnant women, or those with bleeding problems or glaucoma. It may slightly elevate the blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes, typically for less than 24 hours.

If you are taking aspirin or blood thinning medication, you may need to stop taking it several days before the SNRB. Discuss any medications with your practitioners, including the one who prescribed them and the doctor who will perform the injection.

How is it done?
The medication is injected as close to the pain site as possible. The procedure takes place under CT guidance and is done by an Interventional Radiologist.

The patient lies face down on the exam table and the area is cleansed and made sterile. The doctor then gives a local anesthetic to numb the skin prior to placing the needle.

How long does it take?
The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes.

Will the injection hurt?
The radiologist will give a local anesthesia prior to placing the needle which makes the procedure easier to tolerate.

What should I expect after the injection?
The goal of the injection is reduce pain so that the patient can resume their normal activities. The majority of patients experience pain relief. The benefits of facet injection tend to be temporary. Some patients experience pain relief for as little as one week and others up to one year.

What should I do after the procedure?
Most patients can walk around immediately after the procedure. You should take it easy for 24-36 hours after the injection to allow the steroid to take effect. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days following their injection. Localized soreness is usually relieved within 24 hours by using ice, reducing strenuous activities, and taking a mild analgesic. You should not drive following this procedure. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home.

Can I go to work the next day?
Patients are advised to reduce work schedule and activities for 48 hours following the procedure to help healing.

How many injections can I have?
If you experience some pain relief, one to two more injections can be performed, usually in 2-week intervals. 

What are the risks and side effects?
Potential risks include bleeding, infection and nerve damage. Steroid side effects may cause weight gain, water retention, and elevated blood sugar levels in diabetics. Numbness and mild motor block usually resolve within 8 hours in the affected extremity (similar to the facial numbness experienced after dental work). Patients who are being treated for chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, poorly controlled diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or those who cannot temporarily discontinue anti-clotting medication) should consult their physician for a risk assessment.

PATIENT DETAILS

Patient Name ____________________________________________ DOB: _______________________

Date of appointment _______________________________________ Time_____________________

Your procedure will be performed at Southwest Health at 1400 Eastside Road – Platteville, WI 53818. Please use the Main Hospital Entrance and check in at the Registration Desk prior to your scheduled procedure.

ALLERGIES:  Does patient have any allergies to medications, radiology contrast dye, etc.

_____ No (proceed to instructions)
_____ Yes ______________________________________________________________________
List allergies – Notified Radiology ___________ (initial of Clinic staff)

PATIENT MUST FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS

  1. You should take your medications as directed and follow your regular diet.
  2. You must have a driver. Radiology will not release you without a driver.
  3. Check your insurance regarding coverage of this procedure. Prior Authorization may be required.
  4. Please call the Radiology Department at 342-4745 with any questions regarding to this test.
  5. Take a complete list of your medications with you to your procedure appointment.
  6. Two weeks after you have had the procedure, please call the ordering practitioner at _________________________to let him know whether or not you feel the procedure helped.
  7. If necessary, a follow up appointment will be made at that time.

I understand that I am to have a “Facet Injection” procedure and must follow the corresponding instructions.

Patient Signature _________________________________ Date _______________________

Copied (x2) and Instructions Provided by:  _______________________________________ Signature of SH Staff