Ask the Experts: Medial Branch Blocks: From Fundamentals to Finesse - Podcast 14

In episode 14, our experts covered your questions on:

• What is facet joint syndrome?
• What are the diagnostic and prognostic benefits of utilizing cervical and lumbar MBBs?
• Which history, exam, and imaging indications suggest patients who would benefit from cervical or lumbar facet procedures?
• What literature supports doing a “therapeutic” MBB?
• Do we need to stop anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents prior to cervical and lumbar MBBs?
• What are the appropriate imaging views needed for successful MBBs, and how do you deal with “difficult” cervical or lumbar anatomy?
• What local anesthetic volumes are recommended for cervical and lumbar MBBs?
• What is the role of contrast media in MBBs?
• How do we interpret MBB results?
• Why do we recommend dual MBBs?
• Why do some patients get prolonged relief with MBBs?

Your expert panel for this June 25, 2025 webinar included:

• Isaac Cohen, MD, Physiatrist at Connecticut Orthopaedics in Trumbull, Connecticut, who serves on the IPSIS Instructor Development Committee; and
• Adrian Popescu, MD, Physiatrist at the Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who serves on the IPSIS Evidence Analysis Committee and the IPSIS Instructor Development Committee.

The panel was moderated by Michael Furman, MD, MS, Fellowship Director at OSS Health, who serves on the IPSIS Board as a Member-at-Large, as well as on the IPSIS Education Division, and as Co-Chair of the Education Development Committee. 

Besides this podcast, a video download is also available here.

© 2025 International Pain and Spine Intervention Society – All Rights Reserved Materials presented in this activity have been made available by the International Pain and Spine Intervention Society for educational purposes only.