Introduction:
Facet arthropathy (FA) is an arthritic disease of the facet joints that causes severe pain. These joints permit the spine to be bent, twisted, and aligned. Between the joints of the vertebra and the facet sulcus, the spinal nerves exit the spinal cord. Each of the vertebra's two facet joints rests over the facet joint below it at the back, while the vertebra's front end rests on a spongy confined disc. The spinal disc and facet joints in a healthy spine provide one another with support for free and secure movement.
Chronic low back pain and facet arthropathy are frequently related. Deficiencies in the ligaments that connect the muscles to the spinal discs, compression or pinching of the spinal cord roots, the hard, protective covering of the spinal cord known as the dura, muscular abnormalities of the lower spine, and facet joints are some probable reasons of low back pain.
What Is Facet Joint?
The facet joints are a group of synovial, plane joints located between the articular processes of two nearby vertebrae. Each spinal motion segment has two facet joints, and the recurrent meningeal nerves innervate each one of them. Each pair of facet joints serves the biomechanical purpose of directing and regulating spinal motion segment movement. Facet joint arthritis is not usually accompanied by any symptoms, however; it frequently appears as a dull backache. Muscle building, posture correction, and biomechanics are the three main components of conservative treatment for facet joint arthritis, which includes physical therapy or osteopathic medicine.
What Is Facet Arthropathy?
A painful form of arthritis that affects the facet joints is called facet arthropathy. The spine can be bent, twisted, and aligned due to these joints. Between the vertebra and the facet joints is where the spinal nerves exit the spinal cord. Each of the two facet joints in the backrests over the facet joint below it, while the vertebra at the front rests on a spongy enclosed disc. The spinal disc and facet joints support one another in a healthy spine to allow safe and sound movement.
What Causes Facet Arthropathy?
Facet arthropathy can have a variety of visible causes, but aging is the main factor. Facet arthropathy may result from a number of factors, including the following:
1. Osteoarthritis
The deterioration of joint cartilage is the cause of this degenerative condition. Even though the hips and knees are where it occurs most frequently, it can affect any joint, including the facet joints.
2. Facet Degeneration
Aging-related damage to the facet joint.
3. Facet Joint Injury
Impact injury to the facet joints, such as that from a vehicle accident or a fall. Damage to the facet joints causes inflammation, which sends pain signals to the spine's nerve terminals.
4. Synovial Cyst
A fluid-filled sac that appears in the spine and is typically brought on by age.
5. Wear and Tear on The Facet Joints
The cartilage can become worn down for a variety of reasons, including heavy lifting, poor posture, and disc issues.
What Are the Symptoms of Facet Arthropathy?
Pain is one of the most prevalent and obvious signs of facet arthropathy. Facet arthropathy pain has the following characteristics:
-
Pain that gets worse after rest or sleep.
-
The lower back ache gets worse when bending backward, standing, and twisting.
-
Pain that is localized to a single spine region.
-
Dull pain on one or both lower back sides.
Facet arthropathy pain normally does not radiate down the legs, in contrast to the pain brought on by sciatica or a slipped disc.
What Is Lumbar Facet Arthropathy?
The lumbar region of the spine is situated where the spine curves inwards at the small of the back. The majority of the body's weight is intended to rest here. This region's vertebrae are larger and wider than those in other parts of the spine. Chronic lower back pain without apparent cause is the usual symptom of lumbar facet joint pain. The symptoms of the discomfort can vary, making it challenging to make a diagnosis based solely on the history and physical examination. The presence of back pain with a non-dermatomal radiation pattern is one indication that the facet may be the source of the discomfort. The referred pain from the lumbar spine normally affects the buttock and thigh and is infrequently reported below the knee. Lower extremity numbness and weakness are unlikely. However, patients with facet hypertrophy, massive synovial cysts, or osteophytes may have had lumbar radiculopathy in addition due to irritation of the nerve root.
What Are the Treatments for Facet Arthropathy?
Facet arthropathy cannot be cured; however, the discomfort can be adequately managed. The least invasive pain management strategy will be determined in collaboration with orthopedic specialists. Alternatives to surgery include:
-
NSAIDs for pain management and inflammation reduction.
-
Avoid movements that make the discomfort worse (lifting, overextending the back, etc.).
-
Spinal strength and mobility can be regained with the aid of physical therapy.
-
Injections of steroids.
-
Radiofrequency waves are used during a treatment known as nerve ablation to stop a nerve in the afflicted area from functioning.
Surgical Treatment Includes:
Surgery may be required in extreme circumstances. Facet arthropathy is surgically treated, for example:
Fused Spine: To prevent the facet joints from shifting and causing irritation to the spinal column, the afflicted vertebrae might be fused together into a single unit.
How to Prevent Facet Arthroplast?
Similar to many medical disorders, prevention is frequently the best course of action. Employ the following preventative actions to help prevent developing facet arthropathy later in life:
-
Maintain healthy body weight.
-
Regular exercise.
-
Keeping spine safe.
-
When playing sports, wear protective equipment.
-
Keep a straight stance.
-
Consider taking calcium and vitamin D pills to help bones.
-
Always talk to a doctor about using supplements.
Conclusion
The facet joints are susceptible to arthritis, like any other joint. Facet arthropathy is the name given to this form of arthritis. Facet arthropathy is the name given to this form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis of the facet joints is another name for it. It is believed that facet arthropathy is a common cause. Imaging studies like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scans, and bone scans can be used by doctors to diagnose facet arthropathy. To find injury to the facet joints, these tests examine the spine's bones and joints. Facet arthropathy treatment focuses on reducing pain and stiffness while promoting as much activity as feasible.
