Ultrasound Guidance for Facet Joint Injections in the Lumbar Spine: A Computed Tomography-Controlled Feasibility Study

Abstract

This study was designed to develop an ultrasound-guided approach to the facet joints of the lumbar spine and to assess its feasibility and accuracy by means of a comparison to computed tomography images. The imaging study demonstrated a significant correlation between ultrasound and computed tomography measurements. During simulated facet injection, ultrasound guidance consistently resulted in accurate needle placement.