Arthrography of the cervical facet joints

Arthrography was performed during steroid injection in 14 patients (22 joints) with noninflammatory conditions of the cervical facet joints. Two isolated spines were also studied. The capsular recesses were found to be quite large, especially near the intervertebral foramen. Though the appearance of the arthrogram was not clinically useful, it was helpful in positioning the needle for the steroid injection and confirming that the joint in question was abnormal. Distension of the capsule provoked pain in about 50% of cases; rupture of the distended capsule was rare but could account for leakage into the epidural space or foramen. Nine patients had significant relief of pain for three days to thirteen months.