Abstract
The basic anatomic unit of the lumbar spine is a three-joint complex, comprised of an intervertebral disc and paired zygapophysial (facet) joints (Fig. 31.1a–c).
The main function of the facet joints is to limit movement in all planes of motion with a secondary role in weight bearing. Facet joints bear up to 25 % of axial loads under normal conditions and even greater loads in the presence of decreased disc height and in the cervical spine. Results of animal and cadaveric studies support the hypothesis that repetitive strain accumulated over a lifetime increases the risk for facet arthropathy, similar to other synovial joints. In humans, degenerative changes in any component of the anatomic unit predictably lead to concomitant degenerative changes in the other components. Since the risk for disc height reduction increases with age, facet joint arthropathy is also common in older adults. The existence of “facet joint syndrome” has long been questioned, but it is now generally accepted as a clinical entity, although not accurately defined.
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Van de Kelft, E. (2016). Surgery of the Lumbar Facet Joints. In: van de Kelft, E. (eds) Surgery of the Spine and Spinal Cord. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-27613-7_31
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