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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.
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]
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.
The facet and sacroiliac joints tend to be uninvolved. The thoracic spine is the most common level involved. [2] In the peripheral skeleton, DISH manifests as a calcific enthesopathy, with pathologic bone formation at sites where ligaments and tendons attach to bone.
Degenerative disc disease causes narrowing of the spaces. [27] Facet joints break down; Facet joints may hypertrophy [28] Compression fractures of the spine, which are common in osteoporosis [29] Synovial cysts form on the facet joints causing compression of the spinal sac of nerves (thecal sac)
This is commonly known as facet joint arthritis or facet arthropathy. [3] As with any arthritis , the joint can become enlarged due to the degenerative process. Even small changes to the facet joint can narrow the intervertebral foramen , possibly impinging on the spinal nerve roots within. [ 3 ]
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]
This results in spinal instability and more degenerative changes in spinal structures including facet joints, ligamentum flavum, and intervertebral discs. These pathologic changes result in narrowing of the vertebral canal and neurovascular compression at the lumbosacral nerve roots.