The Ability of Lumbar Medial Branch Blocks to Anesthetize the Zygapophysial Joint

Abstract

There was a significant effect of 2% lidocaine (versus saline) medial branch injections on anesthetization of the zygapophysial joint when venous uptake was avoided during these injections. When properly performed, lumbar medial branch blocks successfully inhibit pain associated with capsular distention of the lumbar zygapophysial joints at a rate of 89%.