Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Versus Fluoroscopy or Computed Tomography Scanning Guidance in Lumbar Facet Joint Injections in Adults With Facet Joint Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials.

Objective: To review the literature and assess the comparative effectiveness of ultrasound-guided (USG) versus computed tomography (CT)-/fluoroscopy-guided lumbar facet joint injections in adults.

Data Sources: PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, EBSCO, and Web of Science.

Study Selection: Randomized or nonrandomized controlled trials comparing the clinical effectiveness between USG and CT-/fluoroscopy-guided injection techniques in patients with facet syndrome were included.

Data Extraction: Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full texts. The results of the mean procedure duration, decreased pain score, and Modified Oswestry Disability score after treatment were extracted and presented in the form of mean ± SD.

Data Synthesis: There were 103 records screened; 3 studies were included, with a total of 202 adults with facet joint pain. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in pain score and Modified Oswestry Disability score after injection (weighted mean difference [WMD], .07; 95% confidence interval [CI], -.51 to .65; P=.80; I(2)=78%; WMD, -.55; 95% CI, -1.31 to .22; P=.16; I(2)=0%, respectively). There was also no statistically significant difference in the mean procedure duration between the 2 groups (standardized mean difference [SMD], .97; 95% CI, -1.01 to 2.94; P=.34; I(2)=97%).

Conclusions: This review suggested that no significant differences in pain and functional improvement were noted between the USG and CT-/fluoroscopy-guided techniques in facet joint injection. USG injection is feasible and minimizes exposure of radiation to patients and practitioners in the lumbar facet joint injection process.