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 Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey 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 | USD 163 – USD 435 | 0 days (Outpatient procedure) | ~ 1-3 days for initial soreness; full therapeutic effect assessed over 1-2 weeks | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 1,208 – USD 3,221 | 0 days (Outpatient procedure) | ~ 1-3 days for initial soreness; full therapeutic effect assessed over 1-2 weeks | Know More |
Our 8-year-old daughter fractured her elbow...
Our 8-year-old daughter fractured her elbow in a playground fall, and Dr. Prashanth Inna was absolutely phenomenal. He explained the complex procedure in simple terms, calmed our nerves, and the minimally invasive surgery went perfectly. His follow-up care was thorough, and she's now back to gymnastics without any issues!