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Interventional Neuroradiology

Facet Block

Facet joints are paired joints on the side of the midline at each level of the spine. A facet block is a procedure in which a needle is placed into the facet joint under imaging guidance for the nerve root block injection of a local anesthetic and/or steroid. A facet joint injection may be performed at one or multiple levels and on one or both sides (right/left) of the spine.
Franklin Moser, MD, Chief of Neuroradiology, heads our team of imaging physicians, nurses and technologists who specialize in this procedure.

The facet block is a diagnostic test to localize the source of the patient's pain by determining if it responds to the injection of medication. Alternatively, this procedure is used to treat symptoms arising from facet joint arthritis.

The precise location for the needle placement is determined with imaging guidance. The patient may experience brief, temporary sensations of pain or an electric shock sensation down the leg. Iodinated contrast is injected to confirm the location of the needle tip.