title: Intraarticular facet block: diagnostic test or therapeutic procedure?
abstract: The specificity of the intraarticular facet block as a diagnostic test for facet joint disease is currently unknown. Capsular rupture with epidural and periarticular diffusion is probably responsible for many false positive findings. We found a comparatively low success rate of the procedure in 25 patients in whom maximal volumes were strictly controlled to avoid extravasation.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008793:Metrizamide; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block; D011859:Radiography; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D008012:Lidocaine; D008793:Metrizamide