Lumbar radiculopathy after zygapophyseal joint injection

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pain Medicine
• Interventional Pain Management

Background:

• Chronic low back pain is a prevalent condition often managed with interventions like zygapophyseal joint injections.
• Zygapophyseal (facet) joint injections are a common procedure for diagnosing and treating facet joint pain.
• Spinal nerve root involvement is a potential risk, though infrequently reported, associated with spinal interventions.

Observation:

• A case of lumbar radiculopathy developed following zygapophyseal joint injections for chronic low back pain.
• The patient's symptoms and subsequent management are detailed, focusing on the neurological complication.
• Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges related to post-injection radiculopathy were encountered.

Findings:

• The study identifies lumbar radiculopathy as a rare but significant complication of zygapophyseal joint injections.
• Potential etiologies for nerve root injury during the procedure are explored.
• The findings underscore the need for meticulous technique during facet joint injections.

Implications:

• This case emphasizes the critical need to consider spinal nerve roots when performing intra-articular facet joint injections.
• It highlights the importance of informed patient consent, explicitly including nerve injury as a potential complication.
• Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for nerve injury in patients presenting with new neurological deficits post-procedure.