Effect of multiple cervical facet joint intra-articular steroid injection for early mobilization of cervical spine in early cervical predominant ankylosing spondylitis

Abstract

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have also been described as causes of facet joint pain. Image-guided injection of local anesthetic and steroid into the facet joint aims to break this vicious cycle and stop the inflammatory reaction involving facet joints in AS.

Objectives: Image-guided injection of local anesthetic and steroid into the facet joint aims to break this vicious cycle and stop the inflammatory reaction involving facet joints in AS.

Materials & Methods: Obtaining an informed consent, the procedure was performed with strict aseptic precautions and intra-procedural vital parameters were monitored.

Results: After 7 days of extensive rehabilitation program, the ROM in all direction was dramatically improved with significant improvement of pain. Regarding VAS, during 1st visit it was 8, after 30 min of injection the score became 6 (25% improvement) and after one week, the score became 2 (75% improvement).

Conclusion: Multiple intra-articular cervical facet joint steroid injection is very much effective in acute facet joint synovitis in cervical predominant early AS for starting early rehabilitation program.

KYAMC Journal Vol. 9, No.-1, April 2018, Page 39-40