Zygapophyseal Joints Syndrome or Facet Joint Syndrome
Facet Joint Syndrome (or zygapophyseal joint syndrome)
The facet joints are the structures that connect the vertebrae, provide elasticity to the spine, and allow bending and rotation of the trunk.
They also protect against spondylolisthesis.
The facet joints are innervated by the posterior part of the nerve root.
If this part is irritated, usually due to inflammation that may develop in these joints, then intense pain in the lower back (Facetogenic low back pain) occurs.
Like all joints of the body, the facet joints may degenerate (wear out in simple terms), developing osteoarthritis.
If this happens, then there is a risk of cartilage loss, cyst formation within the bone, sclerosis of the bone, and osteophyte formation.
Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome
1.
Low back pain
2.
Pain worsening with immobility and relieved by movement
3.
Morning stiffness
4.
Worsening pain on trunk extension
5.
Pain radiation to the posterior surface of the thighs
Treatment of Facet Joint Syndrome
Besides drug therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics, physiotherapy and avoidance of aggravating activities for the spine play an important role.
Facet Joint Injections
For the treatment of facet joint syndrome, injections of special anesthetics and steroids may be selected.
Also, the orthopedic surgeon may suggest the minimally invasive method of facet radiofrequency ablation in which the nerve that innervates the facet joint is anesthetized with the help of radio waves.
This method has more permanent results compared to simple injections.
