How many lumbar facet joints are there?

How many lumbar facet joints are there?

There are two facet joints at each level of the vertebral column, providing stability to the spinal column while allowing movement. They are found at every spinal level, except at the top level of the cervical spine.

Is zygapophyseal joint same as facet?

The joints in the spine are commonly called Facet Joints. Other names for these joints are Zygapophyseal or Apophyseal Joints. Each vertebra has two sets of facet joints. One pair faces upward (superior articular facet) and one downward (inferior articular facet).

What is Ligamenta Flava?

Description. The ligamenta flavum is a short but thick ligament that connects the laminae of adjacent vertebrae from C2 to S1 and is considered a medial ward continuation of the fact joint . It consists of 80% elastin fibers and 20% collagen fibers.

What is the difference between articular facet and articular process?

The articular processes or zygapophyses (Greek ζυγον = “yoke” (because it links two vertebrae) + απο = “away” + φυσις = “process”) of a vertebra are projections of the vertebra that serve the purpose of fitting with an adjacent vertebra. The actual region of contact is called the articular facet.

What is the function of zygapophyseal joints?

The zygapophyseal joints are true synovial joints that allow for motion of the vertebral spine while limiting excessive motion.

What is the difference between a facet and a process?

What is Ligamenta flava hypertrophy?

Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy refers to abnormal thickening of the ligamentum flavum. If severe, it can be associated with spinal canal stenosis.

What type of joints are facet joints?

The facet joints runs in pairs down the entire spine on each side. And the facet joints are true synovial joints. They have a synovial membrane and the allow for motion of the spine. The orientation of the facet joint dictates how that facet joint will allow motion.

What do facet joints attach to?

The facet joints, together with the intervertebral discs and spinal ligaments, connect the adjacent vertebrae of the spine at all regions and provide support for the transfer and constraint of loads applied to the spinal column.

What are Demi facets?

A demifacet is actually half of a facet and is where part of the head of the rib or part of the costal cartilage articulates and these are usually found on ribs 2 through 9. The superior demifacet of the body of the vertebra receives the head of the rib with the same number as the vertebra of interest.

What Innervates the zygapophyseal joint?

The zygapophyseal articulations receive their innervation by the anterior, lateral or posterior aspect. Rather than following a strictly metameric pattern, such nerve supply involves at least three spinal levels.

Are facet injections the same as epidural steroid injections?

Although both treatments are utilized for pain relief, they’re used for different underlying conditions. Epidural injections are for the back pain that radiates to the arm or legs. On the other hand, facet injections are injected into the facet joints for patients that suffer from degenerative conditions.

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