Fluoroscopy-Guided Lumbar Facet Block for Chronic Low Back Pain
Chronic Low Back Pain · Lumbar Facet Syndrome
What this study involves
The registry does not currently label this study as recruiting. Ask about its status before planning a screening visit.
- Study type
- Observational
- Phase
- Not applicable / not listed
- Age range
- 18 years - 75 years
- Sex eligible
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Participants
- 40 Estimated
These are starting points, not an eligibility decision. The research team must review the full requirements.
About the research
This prospective, longitudinal observational study evaluates functional recovery, pain intensity, and lumbar mobility after a fluoroscopy-guided lumbar facet joint block in patients with chronic lumbar facet syndrome. Forty patients receiving standard-of-care injections (ropivacaine 0.2% and methylprednisolone) will be observed. Outcomes are measured at baseline and 30 days post-intervention. The primary outcome is the change in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary outcomes include changes in the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and the modified Schober test.
Read the full description
Chronic low back pain due to facet joint arthropathy is a common cause of disability.
Fluoroscopy-guided facet joint blocks are widely used in standard practice, but evidence quantifying objective functional and biomechanical recovery beyond pain reduction is limited.
This single-center, prospective, observational, longitudinal study aims to objectively quantify functional recovery. Forty patients aged 18-75 years with clinically and radiologically confirmed lumbar facet syndrome will be observed. The intervention (unilateral fluoroscopy-guided injection of ropivacaine 0.2% \[0.5-1 mL\] and methylprednisolone into the affected facet joint) is performed strictly as part of routine clinical care, independent of study inclusion.
Assessments occur at baseline (T0) and 30 days post-injection (T1). The primary outcome is the change in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. Secondary outcomes are changes in Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores and the modified Schober test (cm). Adverse events and procedural safety are recorded. The study aims to provide preliminary effect estimates to inform future controlled trials.
Who may be able to participate?
The list below is the sponsor’s full registry wording. It can include conditions, prior treatment, test results and other requirements. A match in search does not mean you qualify.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18-75 years
- Clinical and radiological diagnosis of lumbar facet syndrome
- Low back pain duration \>3 months
- Baseline NRS pain score ≥4/10
- Signed informed consent for the procedure and study participation
- Cognitive capacity to independently complete the Oswestry Disability Index
Exclusion Criteria:
- Radicular pain or confirmed disc herniation with neural compression
- Coagulopathy or use of anticoagulants not discontinued appropriately
- Active systemic or local infection
- Known allergy to local anaesthetics or corticosteroids
- Pregnancy or lactation
- Previous lumbar spine surgery at the same level
- Inability to comply with follow-up schedule
Study population
Adults aged 18-75 years with chronic low back pain (\>3 months) due to lumbar facet syndrome confirmed by clinical examination and imaging, presenting to the Algology outpatient clinic.
Understand screeningTreatment, groups and participation
The registry may describe treatments and study duration without a complete visit calendar. Ask the study team for the exact schedule, procedures, risks, costs and alternatives. Keep your usual care plan unless your treating clinician tells you otherwise.
- Assignment
- Not reported
- Masking
- Not reported
Facet Block
Single group receiving standard-of-care fluoroscopy-guided lumbar facet joint injection of ropivacaine 0.2% (0.5-1 mL) and methylprednisolone into the affected facet joint(s).
Procedure: Fluoroscopy-guided lumbar facet block
Fluoroscopy-guided lumbar facet block PROCEDURE
Under fluoroscopic guidance, a 20G Quincke needle is placed into the target lumbar facet joint or onto the adjacent medial branch. An arthrogram is performed with 0.3 to 0.5 mL of non-ionic contrast to confirm correct dispersion and exclude vascular/intrathecal uptake. Subsequently, 0.5 to 1 mL of a mixture containing ropivacaine 0.2% and methylprednisolone is injected per level. Performed on an outpatient basis under standard monitoring.
What researchers are measuring
Outcome measures describe what is being studied. They are not proof that a treatment works.
Primary measures
Change in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
Time frame: Baseline (pre-injection) and 30 days post-injection
The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is a 10-item questionnaire that measures functional disability in daily activities (0% = no disability, 100% = severe disability). The primary outcome is the change in ODI score from baseline to 30 days. A reduction of ≥10 points is considered clinically significant.
Secondary measures
Change in Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-procedure, and 30 days post-injection
Pain intensity measured using an 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (0 = no pain, 10 = worst imaginable pain). A clinically significant reduction is defined as at least a 50% decrease from the baseline score.
Change in modified Schober test (lumbar flexion mobility)
Time frame: Baseline and 30 days post-injection
The modified Schober test measures lumbar flexion range (cm) to evaluate biomechanical mobility. An increase of at least 5 cm indicates a functional range.
Incidence of adverse events
Time frame: Immediately after procedure up to 30 days post-injection
Record of any adverse events including pain at injection site, transient exacerbation of pain, allergic reaction, inadvertent dural puncture, spinal haematoma, or nerve root injury.
Review the complete result tables and limitations in the official record.
Open official results ↗Research locations (1)
The overall study status and a local site’s status can differ. Confirm that location’s availability before traveling.
1 locations
Centro Médico Nacional 20 de Noviembre, ISSSTEMexico City, Mexico City, MexicoStatus unknown
Study team and timeline
- Lead sponsor
- ISSSTE Hospital Regional "Gral. Ignacio Zaragoza"
- Study start
- 2026-12 Estimated
- Primary completion
- 2027-03 Estimated
- Study completion
- 2027-06 Estimated
- First posted
- Nov 10, 2026 Actual
- Last updated
- Nov 10, 2026 Actual
Official study contacts
Official study title
Evaluation of Functionality and Pain After Fluoroscopy-Guided Lumbar Facet Block: A Prospective and Longitudinal Study
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Source: ClinicalTrials.gov API v2. Information is submitted by sponsors and investigators. NLM does not approve the safety or science of all listed studies. Registry disclaimer.
Retrieved: Nov 12, 2026 · Last registry update: Nov 10, 2026