A 30-year-old patient with chronic low back pain undergoes a diagnostic lumbar medial branch block. What is the primary purpose of using a local anaesthetic in this procedure?

• A To provide long-term pain relief
• B To treat discogenic pain
• C To reduce muscle spasm
• D To confirm the facet joint as the pain generator ✓

Explanation

A medial branch block is a diagnostic tool. If the patient experiences significant temporary relief after injecting local anaesthetic over the medial branch nerves that innervate the facet joints, it confirms the facet joint as the source of pain. It is not intended for long-term relief, which is achieved via radiofrequency ablation.

Reference: Raj's Practical Management of Pain, 5th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.