fasettliður

Fasettliður, also known as zygapophyseal joints or facet joints, are small joints located on either side of the vertebral column in the spine. These joints are formed by the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae. Each vertebra has four facet joints, two superior and two inferior, connecting it to the vertebrae above and below. The articular surfaces of these joints are covered with hyaline cartilage, and they are enclosed within a fibrous capsule that contains synovial fluid, characteristic of synovial joints.

The primary function of the facet joints is to guide and limit the movement of the spine, providing stability while allowing for a range of motion, including flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation. The orientation of the facet joints varies along the spinal column, influencing the type and extent of movement possible in each region. For example, in the cervical spine, the facet joints are oriented more horizontally, allowing for greater mobility, while in the lumbar spine, they are oriented more vertically, providing more stability.

Pain associated with the facet joints, known as facet joint syndrome or facet arthropathy, can occur due to degeneration, inflammation, or injury. This pain is often described as a deep, aching sensation and can be localized to the area of the affected joint or radiate to other parts of the body. Conditions like osteoarthritis, disc degeneration, and trauma can lead to damage and dysfunction of the facet joints, contributing to chronic back pain. Diagnosis may involve physical examination, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, and diagnostic injections. Treatment approaches can include conservative measures like physical therapy and pain medication, as well as interventional procedures such as corticosteroid injections or radiofrequency ablation.