Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Superior Recess Access of the Lumbar Facet Joint.

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive approach to accessing the lumbar facet joint by superior recess.

OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed to describe an approach to accessing the lumbar facet joint through targeting the superior recess during lumbar facet joint injections.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Lumbar facet joint injections are routinely performed for both the diagnosis and treatment of chronic low back pain. Previous studies either did not specify which part of the joint to target, or recommended targeting the inferior aspect of the joint to access the inferior recess. One study did mention the superior recess as an alternative to injecting the inferior recess, but none has focused on description of the technique. This is the first time this technique has been described.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records and fluoroscopic images were reviewed for all patients over a period of 9 months (January-September 2012) using the proposed technique. This resulted in a total of 48 patients; 15 men, 29 women, and a total of 117 facet joint intra-articular injections. Among these 48 patients, injections were repeated in total of 4 cases. The average time of injections among 4 repeat cases was 121 days. The success of the procedure was confirmed with an arthrogram demonstrating contrast flowing from the superior recess inferiorly through the joint space.

RESULTS: Successful access of the lumbar facet joint through puncture of the superior recess was seen in 114 cases, with 3 unsuccessful attempts to enter facet joints due to osteophytes at involved levels. There were no complications observed during the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS: We find this approach to be highly successful, safe, and well tolerated by the patient and recommend it as a technique for access of the lumbar facet joint in those patients in whom direct puncture of the inferior recess is difficult.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app