2024 Consensus Guidelines on Lumbar Facet Interventions Among Practicing Pain Physicians in China and the United States

Abstract

Lumbar facet interventions, including facet joint injections, medial nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), are prevalent treatments for low back pain (LBP). Despite their widespread use, debates persist regarding various aspects of these procedures. The 2024 Consensus Working Group on Lumbar Facet Interventions, composed of practicing pain physicians from both China and the United States, conducted an extensive review of the literature on the use of lumbar facet interventions in chronic pain management. Following the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force grading guidelines, this consensus provides an evidence-based, patient-centered guideline tailored for pain physicians at all expertise levels for the management of chronic lower spinal pain. The guideline offers detailed recommendations on the identification of facetogenic pain, criteria for patient selection, the application of lumbar facet blocks and RFA techniques, and strategies for the prevention and management of intervention-related complications.

Keywords

• lower back pain
• lumbar spondylosis
• lumbar facetogenic pain
• lumbar facet joint injection
• medial branch block
• radiofrequency ablation
• expert consensus