Facet joint

Facet joint
Facet joint
	A thoracic vertebra. The facet joint is the joint between the inferior articular process (labeled at bottom) and the superior articular process (labeled at top) of the subsequent vertebra.
	Median sagittal section of two lumbar vertebrae and their ligaments
Details
Identifiers
Latin	articulationes zygapophysiales
MeSH	D021801
TA98	A03.2.06.001
TA2	1707
FMA	10447
	Anatomical terminology [ edit on Wikidata]

Last updated February 19, 2024

The facet joints (also zygapophysial joints, zygapophyseal, apophyseal, or Z-joints) are a set of synovial, plane joints between the articular processes of two adjacent vertebrae. There are two facet joints in each spinal motion segment and each facet joint is innervated by the recurrent meningeal nerves.

Innervation

Innervation to the facet joints vary between segments of the spinal, but they are generally innervated by medial branch nerves that come off the dorsal rami. It is thought that these nerves are for primary sensory input, though there is some evidence that they have some motor input local musculature. Within the cervical spine, most joints are innervated by the medial branch nerve (a branch of the dorsal rami) from the same levels. In other words, the facet joint between C4 and C5 vertebral segments is innervated by the C4 and C5 medial branch nerves. However, there are two exceptions:

The facet joint between C2 and C3 is innervated by the third occipital nerve and the C3 medial branch nerve.
The facet joint between C7 and T1 is innervated by the C7 and C8 medial branch nerves.^{[ citation needed ]}

In the thoracic and lumbar spine, the facet joints are innervated by the medial branch nerves from the vertebral segment above the upper segment and the upper segment. 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.^{[ citation needed ]}

Function

The biomechanical function of each pair of facet joints is to guide and limit movement of the spinal motion segment.^[1]^[2] In the lumbar spine, for example, the facet joints function to protect the motion segment from anterior shear forces, excessive rotation and flexion. Facet joints appear to have little influence on the range of side bending (lateral flexion). These functions can be disrupted by degeneration, dislocation, fracture, injury, instability from trauma, osteoarthritis, and surgery. In the thoracic spine the facet joints function to restrain the amount of flexion and anterior translation of the corresponding vertebral segment and function to facilitate rotation. Cavitation of the synovial fluid within the facet joints is responsible for the popping sound (crepitus) associated with manual spinal manipulation, commonly referred to as "cracking the back."

The facet joints, both superior and inferior, are aligned in a way to allow flexion and extension, and to limit rotation. This is especially true in the lumbar spine.

In large part due to the mechanical nature of their function, all joints undergo degenerative changes with the wear and tear of age. This is particularly true for joints in the spine, and the facet joint in particular. 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] More advanced cases can involve severe inflammatory responses in the Z-joint, not unlike a swollen arthritic knee.

Diagnosis

Facet joint arthritis may not always have any symptoms, but often manifests as a dull ache across the back.^[4] However like many deep organs of the body it can be experienced by the patient in a variety of referral pain patterns. The location of facet joints, deep in the back and covered with large tracts of paraspinal muscles, further complicate the diagnostic approach. Typically facet joint arthritis is diagnosed with specialized physical examination by specialist physicians such as facet loading (also called Kemps test). However, this test has poor sensitivity (50-70%) ^[5] and specificity (67.3%) ^[6] for lumbar facet pain. Often providers perform diagnostic injections to determine if the facet joint is the underlying source of pain.

Treatment

Conservative treatment

Conservative treatment of facet joint arthritis involves physical therapy or osteopathic medicine, with muscle strengthening, correction of posture, and biomechanics being the key.^{[ citation needed ]}

Corticosteroid injections

Corticosteroid injections into the joint space may provide temporary pain relief anywhere from days to several months. With repeated injections, sometimes the patient may experience a more permanent improvement in their symptoms.^[7] Steroid injections are typically performed under image guidance to ensure accuracy given the complex shape and deep location of the facet.^[8] Some patients do not benefit from corticosteriod injections.^[7]

Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation or lesioning, also known as rhizolysis, can be used to give longer lasting relief by destroying the nerves that supply the facet joint (medial branch nerves).^[9] Current guidelines as per the International Spine Intervention Society require two successful medial branch blocks before progressing to a radiofrequency ablation.

Surgery

Surgery, in the form of a facetectomy, can be performed in certain cases, particularly when the nerve root is affected.

Etymology

Ancient Greek: zygon ("yoke") + apo ("out/from") + phyein ("grow")

Related Research Articles

A spinal nerve is a mixed nerve, which carries motor, sensory, and autonomic signals between the spinal cord and the body. In the human body there are 31 pairs of spinal nerves, one on each side of the vertebral column. These are grouped into the corresponding cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal regions of the spine. There are eight pairs of cervical nerves, twelve pairs of thoracic nerves, five pairs of lumbar nerves, five pairs of sacral nerves, and one pair of coccygeal nerves. The spinal nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system.

The lumbar vertebrae are, in human anatomy, the five vertebrae between the rib cage and the pelvis. They are the largest segments of the vertebral column and are characterized by the absence of the foramen transversarium within the transverse process and by the absence of facets on the sides of the body. They are designated L1 to L5, starting at the top. The lumbar vertebrae help support the weight of the body, and permit movement.

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. Lumbar spinal stenosis can cause pain in the low back or buttocks, abnormal sensations, and the absence of sensation (numbness) in the legs, thighs, feet, or buttocks, or loss of bladder and bowel control.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spondylosis</span> Degeneration of the vertebral column

Spondylosis is the degeneration of the vertebral column from any cause. In the more narrow sense it refers to spinal osteoarthritis, the age-related degeneration of the spinal column, which is the most common cause of spondylosis. The degenerative process in osteoarthritis chiefly affects the vertebral bodies, the neural foramina and the facet joints. 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.

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a medical condition typically brought on by the normal aging process in which there are anatomic changes and possibly a loss of function of one or more intervertebral discs of the spine. DDD can take place with or without symptoms, but is typically identified once symptoms arise. The root cause is thought to be loss of soluble proteins within the fluid contained in the disc with resultant reduction of the oncotic pressure, which in turn causes loss of fluid volume. Normal downward forces cause the affected disc to lose height, and the distance between vertebrae is reduced. The anulus fibrosus, the tough outer layers of a disc, also weakens. This loss of height causes laxity of the longitudinal ligaments, which may allow anterior, posterior, or lateral shifting of the vertebral bodies, causing facet joint malalignment and arthritis; scoliosis; cervical hyperlordosis; thoracic hyperkyphosis; lumbar hyperlordosis; narrowing of the space available for the spinal tract within the vertebra ; or narrowing of the space through which a spinal nerve exits with resultant inflammation and impingement of a spinal nerve, causing a radiculopathy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Retrolisthesis</span> Posterior displacement (but not dislocation) of a vertebra relative to the one below it

A retrolisthesis is a posterior displacement of one vertebral body with respect to the subjacent vertebra to a degree less than a luxation (dislocation). Retrolistheses are most easily diagnosed on lateral x-ray views of the spine. Views where care has been taken to expose for a true lateral view without any rotation offer the best diagnostic quality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spondylolisthesis</span> Displacement of one spinal vertebra compared to another

Spondylolisthesis is the displacement of one spinal vertebra compared to another. While some medical dictionaries define spondylolisthesis specifically as the forward or anterior displacement of a vertebra over the vertebra inferior to it, it is often defined in medical textbooks as displacement in any direction. Spondylolisthesis is graded based upon the degree of slippage of one vertebral body relative to the subsequent adjacent vertebral body. Spondylolisthesis is classified as one of the six major etiologies: degenerative, traumatic, dysplastic, isthmic, pathologic, or post-surgical. Spondylolisthesis most commonly occurs in the lumbar spine, primarily at the L5-S1 level, with the L5 vertebral body anteriorly translating over the S1 vertebral body.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iliopsoas</span> Joined psoas and the iliacus muscles

The iliopsoas muscle refers to the joined psoas major and the iliacus muscles. The two muscles are separate in the abdomen, but usually merge in the thigh. They are usually given the common name iliopsoas. The iliopsoas muscle joins to the femur at the lesser trochanter. It acts as the strongest flexor of the hip.

The human back, also called the dorsum, is the large posterior area of the human body, rising from the top of the buttocks to the back of the neck. It is the surface of the body opposite from the chest and the abdomen. The vertebral column runs the length of the back and creates a central area of recession. The breadth of the back is created by the shoulders at the top and the pelvis at the bottom.

Congenital vertebral anomalies are a collection of malformations of the spine. Most, around 85%, are not clinically significant, but they can cause compression of the spinal cord by deforming the vertebral canal or causing instability. This condition occurs in the womb. Congenital vertebral anomalies include alterations of the shape and number of vertebrae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lumbar nerves</span>

The lumbar nerves are the five pairs of spinal nerves emerging from the lumbar vertebrae. They are divided into posterior and anterior divisions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iliocostalis</span>

Iliocostalis muscle is the muscle immediately lateral to the longissimus that is the nearest to the furrow that separates the epaxial muscles from the hypaxial. It lies very deep to the fleshy portion of the serratus posterior muscle. It laterally flexes the vertebral column to the same side.

A nerve root is the initial segment of a nerve leaving the central nervous system. Nerve roots can be classified as:

A spinal disc herniation is an injury to the intervertebral disc between two spinal vertebrae, usually caused by excessive strain or trauma to the spine. It may result in back pain, pain or sensation in different parts of the body, and physical disability. The most conclusive diagnostic tool for disc herniation is MRI, and treatment may range from painkillers to surgery. Protection from disc herniation is best provided by core strength and an awareness of body mechanics including good posture.

The ventral ramus is the anterior division of a spinal nerve. The ventral rami supply the antero-lateral parts of the trunk and the limbs. They are mainly larger than the dorsal rami.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Superior cluneal nerves</span>

The superior cluneal nerves are pure sensory nerves that innervate the skin of the upper part of the buttocks. They are the terminal ends of the L1-L3 spinal nerve dorsal rami lateral branches. They are one of three different types of cluneal nerves. They travel inferiorly through multiple layers of muscles, then traverse osteofibrous tunnels between the thoracolumbar fascia and iliac crest.

Posterior ramus syndrome, also referred to as thoracolumbar junction syndrome, Maigne syndrome and dorsal ramus syndrome is caused by the unexplained activation of the primary division of a posterior ramus of a spinal nerve. This nerve irritation causes referred pain in a well described tri-branched pattern. The diagnosis is made clinically with the variable presence of four criteria.

The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular structure made up of nervous tissue that extends from the medulla oblongata in the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column (backbone) of vertebrate animals. The center of the spinal cord is hollow and contains a structure called central canal, which contains cerebrospinal fluid. The spinal cord is also covered by meninges and enclosed by the neural arches. Together, the brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system.

Spinal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramen that results in pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs. Symptoms are typically gradual in onset and improve with leaning forward. Severe symptoms may include loss of bladder control, loss of bowel control, or sexual dysfunction.

Each vertebra is an irregular bone with a complex structure composed of bone and some hyaline cartilage, that make up the vertebral column or spine, of vertebrates. The proportions of the vertebrae differ according to their spinal segment and the particular species.

References

↑ Lowe, Whitney; Chaitow, Leon (2009-01-01), Lowe, Whitney; Chaitow, Leon (eds.), "Chapter 9 - Lumbar and thoracic spine", Orthopedic Massage (Second Edition), Edinburgh: Mosby, pp. 175–198, doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-06812-6.00009-x, ISBN 978-0-443-06812-6 , retrieved 2020-11-03
↑ Lowe, Whitney (2003-01-01), Lowe, Whitney (ed.), "Chapter 9 - Lumbar and thoracic spine", Orthopedic Massage, Edinburgh: Mosby, pp. 129–143, doi:10.1016/b978-072343226-5.50014-9, ISBN 978-0-7234-3226-5 , retrieved 2020-11-03
1 2 Mann, S. J.; Viswanath, O.; Singh, P. (2022). "Lumbar Facet Arthropathy". StatPearls. StatPearls. PMID 30855816.
↑ Hou, David D.; Carrino, John A. (2007-01-01), Waldman, Steven D.; Bloch, Joseph I. (eds.), "chapter 8 - Nuclear Medicine Techniques", Pain Management, Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, pp. 85–92, doi:10.1016/b978-0-7216-0334-6.50012-1, ISBN 978-0-7216-0334-6 , retrieved 2020-11-03
↑ "Relationship of Physical Examination Findings and Self-Reported Symptom Severity and Physical Function in Patients With Degenerative Lumbar Conditions". academic.oup.com. Retrieved 2023-01-26.
↑ Manchikanti, L.; Pampati, V.; Fellows, B.; Baha, A. G. (April 2000). "The inability of the clinical picture to characterize pain from facet joints". Pain Physician. 3 (2): 158–166. doi: 10.36076/ppj.2000/3/158 . ISSN 1533-3159. PMID 16906195.
1 2 Lavelle, William F.; Carl, Allen L.; Lavelle, Elizabeth Demers; Furdyna, Aimee (2009-01-01), Smith, HOWARD S. (ed.), "Chapter 22 - BACK PAIN", Current Therapy in Pain, Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, pp. 167–176, doi:10.1016/b978-1-4160-4836-7.00022-5, ISBN 978-1-4160-4836-7 , retrieved 2020-11-03
↑ NASS on facet joint injections
↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-04-06. Retrieved 2019-11-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

9. Shin-Tsu Chang, Chuan-Ching Liu, Wan-Hua Yang. Single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (hybrid imaging) in the diagnosis of unilateral facet joint arthritis after internal fixation for atlas fracture. HSOA Journal of Medicine: Study & Research 2019; 2: 010.

10. Zhu Wei Lim, Shih-Chuan Tsai, Yi-Ching Lin, Yuan-Yang Cheng, Shin-Tsu Chang. A worthwhile measurement of early vigilance and therapeutic monitor in axial spondyloarthritis: a literature review of quantitative sacroiliac scintigraphy. European Medical Journal (EMJ) Rheumatology 2021 July 15; 8[1]:129-139.

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[1] Lowe, Whitney; Chaitow, Leon (2009-01-01), Lowe, Whitney; Chaitow, Leon (eds.), "Chapter 9 - Lumbar and thoracic spine", Orthopedic Massage (Second Edition), Edinburgh: Mosby, pp. 175–198, doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-06812-6.00009-x, ISBN 978-0-443-06812-6 , retrieved 2020-11-03

[2] Lowe, Whitney (2003-01-01), Lowe, Whitney (ed.), "Chapter 9 - Lumbar and thoracic spine", Orthopedic Massage, Edinburgh: Mosby, pp. 129–143, doi:10.1016/b978-072343226-5.50014-9, ISBN 978-0-7234-3226-5 , retrieved 2020-11-03

[ncbi.nlm.nih.gov-3] 1 2 Mann, S. J.; Viswanath, O.; Singh, P. (2022). "Lumbar Facet Arthropathy". StatPearls. StatPearls. PMID 30855816.

[4] Hou, David D.; Carrino, John A. (2007-01-01), Waldman, Steven D.; Bloch, Joseph I. (eds.), "chapter 8 - Nuclear Medicine Techniques", Pain Management, Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, pp. 85–92, doi:10.1016/b978-0-7216-0334-6.50012-1, ISBN 978-0-7216-0334-6 , retrieved 2020-11-03

[5] "Relationship of Physical Examination Findings and Self-Reported Symptom Severity and Physical Function in Patients With Degenerative Lumbar Conditions". academic.oup.com. Retrieved 2023-01-26.

[6] Manchikanti, L.; Pampati, V.; Fellows, B.; Baha, A. G. (April 2000). "The inability of the clinical picture to characterize pain from facet joints". Pain Physician. 3 (2): 158–166. doi: 10.36076/ppj.2000/3/158 . ISSN 1533-3159. PMID 16906195.

[:0-7] 1 2 Lavelle, William F.; Carl, Allen L.; Lavelle, Elizabeth Demers; Furdyna, Aimee (2009-01-01), Smith, HOWARD S. (ed.), "Chapter 22 - BACK PAIN", Current Therapy in Pain, Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, pp. 167–176, doi:10.1016/b978-1-4160-4836-7.00022-5, ISBN 978-1-4160-4836-7 , retrieved 2020-11-03

[8] NASS on facet joint injections

[9] "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-04-06. Retrieved 2019-11-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

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