Efficacy of facet block in lumbar facet joint syndrome patients

Autor: Alvaro Ospina, Daniel Campuzano, Esperanza Montoya, Elizabeth Hincapié, Manuela Gómez, José Bareño, Isabel C. Zapata, Luisa F. Vásquez
Rok vydání: 2012
Předmět:
Zdroj: Colombian Journal of Anesthesiology. 40(3):177-182
ISSN: 2256-2087
DOI: 10.1016/j.rcae.2012.07.001
Popis: Facet block is a procedure used in patients with facet arthrosis in which several other medical techniques have failed. In our country, there is no evidence or studies regarding its efficacy, thus the interest in its demonstration. A retrospective observational cohort study was carried out on patients intervened between January 2005 and December 2009 at Clinica CES. Data were collected from the patient's clinical records by means of a survey designed for that purpose. Also, positive clinical outcomes were correlated to age, gender, occupation, evolution time, motor and sensitive symptoms as well as comorbidities. The sample included 232 patients between the ages of 21 and 92, with an average age of 56.9 (±14.6) years, and a lumbar pain evolution time of 2 years in 40% of the individuals in the sample. The most commonly used imaging test before the procedure was MRI in 42.2% of patients, CT scan was used in 38.31% and X-rays in 7.46%. The procedure was effective in 78% of patients. In sum, facet block is a therapeutic method, given that most patients improved after its completion. These findings are consistent with other studies that have showed a decrease in physical and functional limitations of the patients. Besides, improvement of the patient's state confirms a lumbar facet syndrome, so it is a diagnostic procedure as well.
Databáze: OpenAIRE