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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.
In the spine, there is bone formation along the anterior longitudinal ligament and sometimes the posterior longitudinal ligament, which may lead to partial or complete fusion of adjacent vertebrae. The facet and sacroiliac joints tend to be uninvolved. The thoracic spine is the most common level involved. [2]
The ligamenta flava (sg.: ligamentum flavum, Latin for yellow ligament) are a series of ligaments that connect the ventral parts of the laminae of adjacent vertebrae. They help to preserve upright posture, preventing hyperflexion, and ensuring that the vertebral column straightens after flexion. Hypertrophy can cause spinal stenosis.
For example, the facet joint between T1 and T2 is innervated by C8 and T1 medial branch nerves. Facet joint between L1 and L2; the T12 and L1 medial branch nerves. However, the L5 and S1 facet joint is innervated by the L4 medial branch nerve and the L5 dorsal ramus. In this case, there is no L5 medial branch to innervate the facet joint.
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]
Spinal ligaments can thicken (ligamenta flava) [24] [25] Bone spurs develop on the bone and into the spinal canal or foraminal openings; Intervertebral discs may bulge or herniate into the canal or foraminal openings [26] Degenerative disc disease causes narrowing of the spaces. [27] Facet joints break down; Facet joints may hypertrophy [28]
CT scan is helpful to see small bony elements of the spine such as facet joint and to determine whether there is osteoporosis of the spine. However, interverterbral foramen and ligaments are not well visualised on the CT. Therefore, contrast is injected into the spinal canal via lumbar puncture and then imaged using CT scan (known as CT ...
There is also spondylosis of the facet joint between C2 and C3, with some foraminal stenosis at this level (upper arrow), which appears to be asymptomatic. Signs and Symptoms. Radiculopathy is a diagnosis commonly made by physicians in primary care specialties, orthopedics, physiatry, and neurology.