We studied five patients with chronic back or chronic back and leg pain, who had failed to respond to the usual forms of conservative managiment. Subjects included 3 males and 2 females with a mean age of 65.8 years (range: 53 to 78). We used Roy's technique for percutaneous rhizotomy of the posterior medial branch. To be considered a sultable candidate for facet denervation, the diagnostic test which involues facet nerve block with 0.5% Marcaine must be successful twice.
The blocks are performed in a fluoroscopy room with the patient prone, using AP and oblique fluoroscopy. The needle is inserted lateral to the inferior third of the facet joint and 0.5ml of 3.3% phenol glycerin is injected at each level. Relief of pain was achieved in all patients and no complications were noted.