Diagnostic and therapeutic features of facet and sacroiliac joint injection. Anatomy, pathophysiology, and technique.

A diagnosis of exclusion facet syndrome is considered one of the many genuine causes of low back pain. Using careful patient selection, percutaneous facet joint block is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in the management of lumbar facet syndrome. Sacroiliac joint syndrome appears to be a more tangible entity diagnostically and more amenable to injection. This article addresses the anatomy, pathophysiology, and salient radiographic features of the apophyseal joint, and describes the procedures and techniques for facet as well as sacroiliac joint injection.