Effectiveness of Facet Joint Injection for Treatment of Acute Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture

Shim, Dae Moo; Kim, Tae Kyun; Chae, Soo Uk; Lee, Suk Jung

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness of facet joint injection for acute phase of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture as alternative method for vertebrolplasty.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From January 2001 to May 2007, a total 275 patient of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture treated with conservative treatment or facet joint injection were selected. We divided all patients into two groups as treated only conservative treatment or facet joint injection.
RESULTS
In comparison, group of patient who took facet joint injection showed significantly increased effects than the other group in pain, using pain controller and activity (P<0.05). Group of patient who took conservative treatment, are treated with vertebroplasty in 52 patients, are showed the loss of height in vertevral body in 4 patients. Group of patient who took facet joint injection, are treated with vertebroplasty in 43 patients, are showed the loss of height in vertevral body in 29 patients. There was no complication with facet joint injection or vertebroplasty.
CONCLUSIONS
Facet joint injection is the effective and stable technique for acute pain on acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. The loss of height in vertevral body is more frequent at group of patient who took facet joint injection.