Ozone Injection Therapy for Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome. A Prospective Study
M. Bonetti, A. Fontana, F. Martinelli, G. Pellicanò
SUMMARY - Lumbar facet joint syndrome is a common condition affecting around 80% of patients with low back pain. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of CT-guided oxygen-ozone infiltration of the lumbar facet joints. We selected 58 patients presenting pain caused by the facet joint syndrome resistant to physical and pharmacological treatment. After O2-O3 injection 38 (65.5%) patients had a complete remission of pain immediately after treatment. At clinical follow-up using a modified McNab method the percentage success rate had dropped to 55.1% (32/58) one month after therapy, 46.5% (27/58) after three months and 36.2% (21/58) after six months. Our results show that CT facet joint infiltration with ozone is a good method for treatment of lumbar facet joint syndrome. The injections can be repeated and the treatment has no side effects. The best results were seen in patients with only spondyloarthrosis of the facet joints. Facet joint ozone injection therapy using a standardized protocol is safe, effective and easy to perform. However, the clinical effect is limited (65.5% decreasing to 36.2% after six months), and we recommend repeating the injections after one to three months.
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