Updated 2026 Comprehensive Evidence-Based Guidelines for Facet Joint Interventions in the Management of Chronic...

Chronic axial spinal pain is a major contributor to disability and healthcare expenditures, with facet joints recognized as one of the established sources of pain.

To provide evidence-based guidance in performing diagnostic and therapeutic facet joint interventions.

A multidisciplinary panel of experts from various medical and pharmaceutical disciplines, convened by the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP), reviewed the available evidence, considered patient perspectives, and formulated recommendations for facet joint interventions in the management of chronic pain.The methodology included the development of key questions with evidence-based statements and recommendations. Grading of the evidence and recommendations followed a modified approach described by ASIPP, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) methods for grading strength of recommendations. The evidence review included existing guidelines, systematic reviews, comprehensive reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and observational studies evaluating the effectiveness and safety of facet joint interventions in chronic pain management.In the development of consensus statements and guidelines, a modified Delphi technique was utilized to minimize bias related to group interactions. Panelists without a primary conflict of interest voted on approval of specific guideline statements. Each panelist was permitted to suggest revisions to guideline wording and provide additional qualifying remarks or comments regarding implementation of the guidelines in clinical practice. To achieve consensus and inclusion in the final guidelines, each guideline statement required at least 80% agreement among eligible panel members without a primary conflict of interest.

A total of 48 authors participated in the development of these guidelines, of whom 39 participated in the voting process. A total of 37 recommendations were developed, with 100% acceptance for all items. The Summary of Recommendations is presented separately. These recommendations addressed diagnostic, therapeutic, and special considerations related to facet joint interventions. For diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, the level of evidence ranged from II to III, with moderate to strong recommendations. For special considerations and safety assessments, the level of evidence ranged from II to V. The evidence provided recommendations regarding diagnosis, treatment, sedation, concurrent antithrombotic therapy, and precautions required in special clinical circumstances.

The limitations of these guidelines include a paucity of high-quality studies in some aspects of diagnosis and therapy.

These guidelines for facet joint interventions were developed through a comprehensive review of the literature, including methodologic quality assessment and determination of the level of evidence and strength of recommendations.

These guidelines are based on the best available evidence and do not constitute inflexible treatment recommendations. Due to the changing body of evidence, this document is not intended to be a "standard of care."