Facet Joint Injection Potential Risks and Complications
As
with all invasive medical procedures, there are potential
risks and complications associated with facet joint injections. However, in
general, the risk is low and complications are rare.
Allergic
reaction.
Usually,
the allergy is to the X-ray contrast or steroid; rarely to local anesthetic.
Life threatening or severe allergies are rare.
Bleeding.
A
rare complication, bleeding is more common for patients with underlying
bleeding disorders or in patients on blood thinners.
Infection.
Minor
infections occur in less than 1% to 2% of all injections. Severe infections are
rare, occurring in 0.1% to 0.01% of injections.
Discomfort
at the point of the injection or worsening of pain symptoms.
These
symptoms are usually mild and short-lived. Long lasting increases in pain are
rare.
Nerve
or spinal cord damage or paralysis. While very rare, damage to the spinal cord or spinal
nerves can
occur from direct trauma from the needle, or secondarily from infection,
bleeding resulting in compression, or injection into an artery causing
blockage.
In
addition to risks from the injection, some patients will
experience side effects from the steroid medication, such as:
- ·
Transient
flushing with a feeling of warmth ('hot flashes') for several days
- ·
Fluid
retention, weight gain, or increased appetite
- ·
Elevated
blood pressure
- · Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, insomnia
- ·
High
blood sugar - diabetic patients should inform their primary care physicians
about the injection prior to their appointment
- ·
Transient
decrease in immunity
Comments
Post a Comment