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Facet Joint

Facet joints in the spinal column provide support, stability, and mobility to the spinal vertebrae. Every facet joint is a small, smooth, bony knob that can perfectly interlock with another facet joint. Stacked vertically, facet joints create hinge-like links in between the vertebrae and are integral to our ability to bend, twist, and move our backs and necks.

Like other joints in the body, a facet joint is lined with cartilage, a smooth flexible material that allows the joints to move against each other without causing friction. Facet joints also are surrounded by lubricating capsules (or water-tight sacs), which contain connective tissue and synovial fluid. Synovial fluid lubricates and provides nutrients to each facet joint.

The facet joints allow the spine to:

• Flex forward
• Bend backward
• Rotate or twist

Unfortunately, facet joints can degenerate, break down, or become damaged due to:

• Arthritis of the spine
• Overuse during work or sports
• Weakened immune system
• Traumatic bone fractures
• Age
• Genetics
• Obesity
• Improper lifting

When the protective cartilage or synovial fluid sac surrounding facet joints breaks down, bone rubs against bone. This can cause bone spurs, as well as inflammation and irritation of the tissue located near the facet joint. Symptoms can include tenderness, stiffness, or pain at the site of the facet joint or the pain and discomfort can radiate to other parts of the body, including the shoulders, arms, legs, or feet.

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Treatment for these symptoms typically includes rest, heat/ice therapy, or physical therapy. If these conservative treatments are ineffective, however, a potential option may be one of the minimally invasive endoscopic procedures at Laser Spine Institute (LSI). If you have been diagnosed with facet disease, facet arthritis, facet joint syndrome, facet hypertrophy, degenerative facet joints, or another spinal condition, we will be happy to review your MRI or CT scan free of charge, so contact LSI today.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.