Clinical evaluation of cervical facet joint infiltration

Twenty-one patients with cervical facet syndrome underwent 39 facet joint infiltrations with corticosteroids using fluoroscopic guidance. There were 22 intra-articular and 17 peri-articular injections. This treatment relieved symptoms in 91% of patients. Follow-up ranged from one week to 12 months. However, symptoms usually recurred, specifically in 71% of patients with complete responses and in 42% of those with partial relief. There was no significant difference in response between patients receiving intra-articular or peri-articular injections (chi 2 = 2.283).