Effectiveness of Lumbar Facet Joint Blocks and Predictive Value before Radiofrequency Denervation: The Facet Treatment Study (FACTS), a Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.

What We Already Know About This Topic: WHAT THIS ARTICLE TELLS US THAT IS NEW: BACKGROUND:: With facet interventions under scrutiny, the authors' objectives were to determine the effectiveness of different lumbar facet blocks and their ability to predict radiofrequency ablation outcomes.

Methods: A total of 229 participants were randomized in a 2:2:1 ratio to receive intraarticular facet injections with bupivacaine and steroid, medial branch blocks, or saline. Those with a positive 1-month outcome (a 2-point or more reduction in average pain score) and score higher than 3 (positive satisfaction) on a 5-point satisfaction scale were followed up to 6 months.

Ligamentous knee injuries in amputees.

Combat-related musculoskeletal injuries occur commonly during military conflicts, as in Iraq and Afghanistan, and are caused by high-energy blasts. Ligamentous knee injuries resulting from these blasts are often associated with lower extremity fractures or traumatic, transtibial amputations. Ligamentous knee injuries in amputees are often difficult to diagnose for a variety of reasons, including massive soft tissue trauma and delayed ambulation.