About Facet Joint Injection
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with a small needle, reducing tissue trauma.Provides both diagnostic clarity and therapeutic pain relief in a single session.Performed under image guidance (fluoroscopy/ultrasound) for enhanced precision and safety.Can help avoid or delay the need for more invasive surgical interventions in pediatric patients.Typically performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing the child to return home the same day.Targeted approach reduces systemic side effects compared to oral medications./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Chronic back or neck pain in children and adolescents unresponsive to conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication.
- Suspected facet joint arthropathy or inflammation secondary to juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
- Pain following spinal trauma or overuse injuries common in young athletes.
- Diagnostic evaluation to confirm the facet joint as the primary pain generator before considering further interventions.
- Management of pain from congenital or developmental spinal abnormalities affecting the facet joints.
- As part of a multidisciplinary pain management plan for complex pediatric pain syndromes.
How to prepare
- A thorough pediatric orthopedic evaluation, including medical history, physical exam, and review of imaging (X-rays, MRI).
- Discussion of the procedure, benefits, and risks with both the child (age-appropriate) and parents/guardians, obtaining informed consent.
- Fasting for a few hours before the procedure if sedation is planned, as per the anesthesiologist's instructions.
- Discontinuation of certain medications, like blood thinners, as advised by the doctor, to minimize bleeding risk.
- Arranging for transportation home post-procedure, as the child may be drowsy from sedation.
- Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to the appointment.
Risks & possible complications
- Common temporary side effects include soreness, bruising, or swelling at the injection site.
- Risk of infection at the injection site, though very low with sterile technique.
- Allergic reaction to the anesthetic or corticosteroid medication.
- Temporary increase in pain or a 'cortisone flare' due to the medication.
- Rare complications include nerve damage, bleeding, or dural puncture (puncture of the spinal membrane).
- Potential for facial flushing or a temporary rise in blood sugar levels due to corticosteroids.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate post-procedure monitoring for 30-60 minutes to check for any adverse reactions.
- The anesthetic provides quick pain relief, while the corticosteroid's anti-inflammatory effects may take a few days to manifest fully.
- Rest is advised for the remainder of the day; normal, non-strenuous activities can usually be resumed the next day.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or twisting the spine for the first 48-72 hours.
- Applying ice packs to the injection site can help manage any initial soreness.
- A follow-up appointment is scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the injection and plan the next steps in treatment, which may include physical therapy.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: 1-3 days for initial soreness; full therapeutic effect assessed over 1-2 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering facet joint injection in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform facet joint injection. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for facet joint injection compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 15 Thousand – 40 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient procedure) | ~ 1-3 days for initial soreness; full therapeutic effect assessed over 1-2 weeks | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 52.5 Thousand – 140 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient procedure) | ~ 1-3 days for initial soreness; full therapeutic effect assessed over 1-2 weeks | Know More |
Pooja Garcia is a 14-year-old competitive...
Pooja Garcia is a 14-year-old competitive gymnast who has been training since she was 6. For the past 9 months, she has been struggling with persistent, sharp lower back pain that worsens with twisting and backbends. Despite months of physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medication, the pain persisted, limiting her training and dimming her passion. Her pediatric orthopedic surgeon, after reviewing an MRI, diagnosed her with inflammation and degeneration in the L4-L5 facet joints, likely from repetitive stress. He recommended a diagnostic and therapeutic facet joint injection to confirm the pain source and provide relief. During the procedure, performed under light sedation, Pooja was anxious but the team was reassuring. She felt immediate pressure but no sharp pain. In the days following, she experienced significant relief from the constant ache. While she still requires a careful rehabilitation plan, the injection broke her pain cycle. Emotionally, she transformed from a frustrated, withdrawn athlete who feared her career was over to a hopeful teenager re-engaged with her sport and working diligently with her PT, feeling back in control of her body.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Facet Joint Injection
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform facet joint injection and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata