We compared the diagnostic accuracy of lumbar facet blocks guided by either conventional fluoroscopy or CT fluoroscopy (CTF). Seventy-one blocks were performed with conventional fluoroscopy, and 58 were performed using CTF. Pain scores were measured before and after the procedure. The CTF group had a greater percentage decrease in pain (79.5% +/- 31.1%) than did the conventional fluoroscopy gro...

Low back pain is an important cause of referrals in the primary care setting. Overall, 85% initial admissions are considered to be nonspecific low that resolves a few weeks without need for additional evaluation. Myofascial pain, lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, facet joint and degeneration, sacroiliac pathologies common causes mechanical pain. Non-mechanical includes infections vertebr...

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop equations by which the costs could be compared of various models of performing diagnostic blocks for spinal pain. DESIGN Algorithms were elaborated describing different strategies for the diagnosis of cervical or lumbar zygapophysial joint pain using placebo-controlled diagnostic blocks, comparative local anaesthetic blocks, or no control blocks,...

OBJECTIVE To present a radiculopathy case due to unilateral facet hypertrophy developing three years after a lumbar disc hernia operation. CASE REPORT A fifty two-year-old female patient, who had been operated on for a left L5-S1 herniated lumbar disc three years ago, was hospitalized and re-operated with a diagnosis of unilateral facet hypertrophy. She had complaints of left leg pain and wal...

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to define an algorithm that will predict the success of indirect decompression without the need for direct decompression in patients undergoing lateral lumbar interbody fusions. METHODS AND MATERIALS A prospective cohort study was undertaken for patients undergoing indirect decompression with lateral lumbar interbody fusion. Patients had to meet the follow...

STUDY DESIGN This is a prospective study. PURPOSE To develop a methodological approach for conducting ultrasound-guided lumbar facet nerve block by defining essential ultrasound-guided landmarks in order to assess the feasibility of this method. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE The current role of ultrasound guidance for musculoskeletal intervention treatments has been reported upon in previous liter...