الفهرس 
Anatomy and Biomechanics of Lumbar Facet JointsOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Background: Low back pain is considered one of the most common complaints that affects about 80% of the individuals at some point in their lives. about 30% of patients their symptoms extend beyond 1 month. Complaint beyond 4 weeks and less than 3 months is considered subacute low back pain, moreover, symptoms beyond 3 months are indicative of chronic back pain. Facet joints are the second most important spinal pain source either acute, subacute or chronic.In studies using diagnostic controlled blocks the origin of pain from the facets has had a prevalence of 15–45% among subjects complaining chronic lumbar pain. Radiofrequency (RF) neurotomy of medial branch of posterior primary ramus of affected joints and intraarticular steroids injections are considered modalities of treatment for chronic lumbar facet joint pain. Methods: It is a prospective, randomized study including two active groups of patients, 20 each, both treatments are done at OR under conscious sedation. Each patient receives one session of conventional RF or Intraarticular steroids injection of affected lumbar facet joints. Visual analogue scale (VAS) is used for assessment and follow up. Preprocedural, one week, one, three and six months VAS were collected for each patient.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in comparison to pre-procedural pain. The (RF) group showed statistically significant difference (P-value <0.05) at 3 and 6 months follow up in comparison to the steroids group. However, short term follow up (one week and one month) the steroid group is statistically significant in comparison to radiofrequency group. Conclusion: both treatments are effective, but ra diofrequency provides better pain relief in 6 months’ duration.