Endoscopic joint capsule and articular process excision to treat lumbar facet joint syndrome: A case report

Lumbar facet joint syndrome (LFJS) is a pain condition arising from lumbar facet joint diseases. Treatments of LFJS includes patient education, oral medication, bed rest, physical therapy, and procedural interventions. For some refractory cases that fail conservative therapies, dorsal ramus medial brunch radiofrequency ablation is warranted. However, as nerve fibers can regenerate, their efficacy is impermanent, and the recurrence rate is relatively high. Considering synovial impingement is a paramount pathogenesis of LFJS, in this case, we removed the culprit hyperplastic articular capsule and the articular process partially through a spinal endoscope. As the culprit hyperplastic joint capsule was excised, it is supposed to generate more prolonged efficacy and a lower recurrence rate than radiofrequency treatment.

A 40-year-old female patient was diagnosed with LFJS. She complained of low back pain and right buttock pain for half a year. The patient was placed in the prone position. After disinfection and draping, a 25-cm 18-gauge needle was inserted into the dorsal surface of the right L5 articular process. Subsequently, a guidewire, dilating tubes, and a working cannula was inserted successively. The spinal endoscope was positioned in the working cannula. Under the endoscope, the microvascular tissue, muscle tissue attached on the L5 inferior articular process and S1 superior articular process, as well as the capsule and minor portion of the inferior articular process were removed. After the joint space was clear and no bleeding points existed, the endoscope and working cannula were shifted, and the incision was sutured. After treatment, the symptoms were completely relieved. The patient was pain-free during the follow-up period of 6 mo.

The endoscopic partial joint capsule and articular process excision is an effective procedure for LFJS, especially for cases caused by synovial impingement.