Facet joint injection and Radiofrequency ablation MIPSI
MIPSI or Minimally invasive pain and spine interventions is a broad term which encompasses all the Non-invasive and minimally invasive interventions done by the interventional spine and pain physicians for myriad of conditions right from Musculo-skeletal disorders like back pain, neck pain, knee pain etc.
What are the Facet joints?
Facet joints are the pair of intervertebral joints present on each side of the spine running right from neck region to the lower back region. Like any other joint in the body, Facet joints are also prone to injury, inflammation and degeneration producing a typical paraspinal pain with limitation in spine movements.
What are the Indications of Facet joint interventions?
Broadly these interventions are done for patients of Neck pain and Back pain. Specific indications are:
- Facet joint arthritis
- Facet joint arthropathy or degeneration
- Osteoporotic spine with kyphoscoliosis
- Post-traumatic facetal injury
- Failed back surgery
- Wedge compression fractures of vertebrae
How Facet joint MIPSI helps relief pain?
Facet joint injections:
This MIPSI intervention is targeted at injecting a very low dose of steroid into the facet joint space under the guidance of Fluoroscope machine. This brings about reduction in the inflammation of the joint reducing the pain and stiffness of the joint.
Facet joint PRP injection:
This MIPSI intervention is targeted at injecting a small volume of Platelet rich plasma into the facet joint space under the guidance of Fluoroscope machine. This not only brings about reduction in the inflammation of the joint but also initiates the healing process inside the degenerated facet joints, reducing the pain and stiffness of the joint
Radiofrequency ablation of Medial branches supplying facet joints:
In cases of severely degenerated facet joints, only joint injections are not helpful. In these cases, Medial branches which specifically supply the facet joints are targeted with the help of radiofrequency ablator, which bring about Wallerian degeneration in these nerves, thus blocking the pain signals and bringing about pain relief.
When will the medication begin to work?
Patient can start appreciating the effect of the medications 3-4 days post-procedure and maximal effect is achieved over a period of 3-4 weeks.
How many times this procedure has to be repeated?
Most patients need only one injection. In cases of severely degenerated discs, Radiofrequency ablation procedure may need to be repeated. Decision to repeat the procedure is taken by your doctor looking at your MRI and the relief percentage from previous procedure.
Will I require hospitalization for this procedure?
No. This is a Day care procedure. Patient is advised about the Pre-procedure precautions before- hand. On the day of the procedure, patient arrives 2 hours before the procedure and is discharged same day after 2 hours of monitoring.
To see how this procedure is done, click the below link