Two studies were identified by the current searches. These were added to the 37 studies identified for the previous review, giving a total of 39 included studies (total number of participants unclear).
Cervical region (8 studies, 1,002 patients).
Prevalence of facet joint pain was reported in 7 studies and ranged from 36 to 67%. The false-positive rate, which was reported in 5 studies, ranged from 27 to 63%. AHRQ scores ranged from 3 to 4 out of 5; QUADAS scores ranged from 7 to 13 out of 14.
Thoracic region (3 studies, 183 patients).
Prevalence of facet joint pain ranged from 34 to 48%. The false-positive rate ranged from 42 to 58%. All studies scored 3 out of 5 on the AHRQ criteria; QUADAS scores ranged from 9 to 11 out of 14.
Lumbar region (15 studies, 2,572 patients).
Prevalence of facet joint pain ranged from 14 to 52%. The false-positive rate, which was reported in 13 studies, ranged from 17 to 50%. AHRQ scores ranged from 3 to 4 out of 5 and 1 study appeared to score 1 out of 4; QUADAS scores ranged from 7 to 12 out of 14.
One study reported a case of transient paraplegia after a cervical facet joint injection. Another reported a vasovagal episode and a short duration procedure-related discomfort. Seven other studies reported other complications with infection and bleeding.