Computed tomography and fluoroscopy guided anesthesia and steroid injection in facet syndrome.

One hundred patients with posterior compartment lumbar spinal axis pain syndromes and focal tenderness were injected with lidocaine and betamethasone in 194 sites. Lidocaine injection was diagnostic in 183 instances (94%) and steroid injection provided long-term relief (greater than 3 months) in 105 instances (54%). CT guidance proved helpful in directing the needle tip to the precise location for optimal delivery of medications to exact anatomical sites.