Facet joint arthrosis is an
intervertebral disc disorder. The
facet joints
Facets () are flat faces on geometric shapes. The organization of naturally occurring facets was key to early developments in crystallography, since they reflect the underlying symmetry of the crystal structure. Gemstones commonly have facets cut ...
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
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a type of degenerative joint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone which affects 1 in 7 adults in the United States. It is believed to be the fourth leading cause of disability in the w ...
can occur. The "lumbar facet arthrosis syndrome" was described in a 1987 article by S. M. Eisenstein and C. R. Parry of
Witwatersrand University
The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (), is a multi-campus South African public research university situated in the northern areas of central Johannesburg. It is more commonly known as Wits University or Wits ( or ). The university ...
.
Diagnosis
Computerized tomography is the ideal for typifying facet joint arthrosis; evidence suggests that
magnetic resonance imaging is not as sensitive in identifying bony changes.
Management
See also
*
Facet syndrome
Facet syndrome is a syndrome in which the facet joints (synovial joint, synovial diarthroses, from Lumbar vertebra 2, L2 to Sacral vertebrae, S1) cause painful symptoms. In conjunction with degenerative disc disease, a distinct but functionally re ...
References
Skeletal disorders
Arthritis
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