FJI procedure
low back pain, facet joints, Lumbar facet joints
Lumbar facet joints were injected using a 22 or 25-gauge, 3.5 or 5-inch spinal needle (depending on body habitus). Needles were advanced under fluoroscopic guidance to enter the posterior facet joint space. The final needle position was confirmed in anterior-posterior and oblique views. Next, the stylet was removed, and extension tubing was attached. Approximately 0.2 mL of contrast media was injected to confirm intra-articular placement and the absence of vascular uptake. The injection was completed with 0.5 mL of 40 mg/mL Kenalog and 0.5 mL of 2% preservative-free lidocaine per facet joint.A maximum of 4 facet joints (two on each side) were injected for bilateral low back pain. For unilateral low back pain, up to 3 facet joints were injected.