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Facet syndrome is a syndrome in which the facet joints (synovial diarthroses) cause painful symptoms. [1] In conjunction with degenerative disc disease , a distinct but functionally related condition, facet arthropathy is believed to be one of the most common causes of lower back pain.
Facet joint arthrosis is an intervertebral disc disorder. The facet joints or zygapophyseal joints are synovial cartilage covered joints that limit the movement of the spine and preserve segmental stability. In the event of hypertrophy of the vertebrae painful arthrosis can occur. [1]
The degenerative process in osteoarthritis chiefly affects the vertebral bodies, the neural foramina and the facet joints (facet syndrome). If severe, it may cause pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots with subsequent sensory or motor disturbances, such as pain , paresthesia , imbalance , and muscle weakness in the limbs.
In some, the x-ray findings may correspond to symptoms of back stiffness with flexion/extension or with mild back pain. [2] Back pain or stiffness may be worse in the morning. [ 4 ] Rarely, large anterior cervical spine osteophytes may affect the esophagus or the larynx and cause pain , difficulty swallowing [ 5 ] [ 6 ] or even dyspnea . [ 7 ]
Pathological processes that can occur in these joints include degenerative changes or hypertrophic arthritis, resulting in foraminal stenosis and nerve compression. Foraminal stenosis at this joint is the most common cause of cervical nerve root pressure. They were characterized by Hubert von Luschka in 1858. [4] [5]
Hypertrophy is the increase in the volume of an organ or tissue due to the enlargement of its component cells. [1] It is distinguished from hyperplasia , in which the cells remain approximately the same size but increase in number. [ 2 ]
Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy is a medical condition combining clubbing and periostitis of the small hand joints, especially the distal interphalangeal joints and the metacarpophalangeal joints. Distal expansion of the long bones as well as painful, swollen joints [ 3 ] and synovial villous proliferation are often seen.
Spinal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramen that results in pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. [6] Symptoms may include pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs. [1]