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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]
Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a medical condition in which the spinal canal narrows and compresses the nerves and blood vessels at the level of the lumbar vertebrae. Spinal stenosis may also affect the cervical or thoracic region, in which case it is known as cervical spinal stenosis or thoracic spinal stenosis.
Such severe spinal stenosis symptoms are virtually absent in lumbar stenosis, however, as the spinal cord terminates at the top end of the adult lumbar spine, with only nerve roots (cauda equina) continuing further down. [15] Cervical spinal stenosis is a condition involving narrowing of the spinal canal at the level of the neck.
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 ]
MRI of the lumbar spine showing spinal stenosis. Neurogenic claudication is one subtype of the clinical syndrome of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). [9] No gold standard diagnostic criteria currently exist, but evaluation and diagnosis is generally based on the patient history, physical exam, and medical imaging. [1]
There are many grading systems for degeneration of intervertebral discs and facet joints in the cervical and lumbar vertebrae, of which the following radiographic systems can be recommended in terms of interobserver reliability: [1] Kellgren grading of cervical disc degeneration; Kellgren grading of cervical facet joint degeneration
Out of all the potential reasons to have a laminotomy performed, lumbar spinal stenosis is the chief reason. CT scans are used specifically to pinpoint a buckled lumbar ligamentum flavum as well as facet hypertrophy, which are some of the main pathophysiological changes indicative of lumbar spinal stenosis. [2]