The facet syndrome. x

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Mooney V. Robertson J. x Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. (115):149-56, 1976 Mar-Apr. x Injection of irritant fluid precisely into the facet joint causes referred x pain patterns indistinguishable from the pain complaints frequently x associated with the "disk syndrome." Even straight leg raising and x diminished reflex signs can be obliterated by precise local anesthetic x injection into the facet joint. The use of radiographically localized x injection of steroids and local anesthetic into the facet joint has been x presented as a diagnostic-therapeutic procedure. Clinical experience with x a group of 100 consecutive patients suggests that this treatment alone can x achieve long-term relief in one-fifth of the patients with lumbago and x sciatica and partial relief in another one-third of these patients. This x information suggests that the structures related to the facet joint can be x a persistent contributor to the chronic pain complaints of individuals x with low back and leg pain. x