The study demonstrates that it is feasible and safe to measure NO with a real time-sensor in or around the facet joints. The findings of higher concentrations of NO in the perifacetal region in chronic low back patients compared with healthy controls indicate that the degenerative process of the joints in these patients may cause increased NO production. The observation of higher NO concentrations in the perifacetal region in patients responding to corticosteroid/local anesthetic infiltration indirectly suggest a more pronounced inflammatory process in these patients.

Image intensifier (C-arm) guided facet infiltration of a mixture of long acting local anaesthetic and corticosteroid is a safe and effective office procedure for cervical spondylosis. Visualisation of lower cervical anatomy using C-arm may not always be possible due to the shadow cast by the shoulders. We describe the successful adaptation of swimmer's view in such cases to carry out the injections.