-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
musculoskeletal system
facet syndrome
diagnoses
definition and etiology
definition:
Facet syndrome is used to describe chronic or acute inflammation of the articular facet joints which guide vertebral motion. These joints are lined by cartilage and surrounded by capsular ligaments which are richly innervated by pain fibers.
etiology: These joints are inflamed by trauma (as in flexion/extension injuries; "whiplash") or in overloading injuries such as lifting a heavy load and extending back to carry the load on the facet joints (lumbar spine).
signs and symptoms
back and neck pain
muscle spasms
palpable localized swelling and tenderness at the facet joint
antalgia; neck held in flexion to relieve the facet
pain with spinal extension
pain with axial loading
course and prognosis
Whether induced by trauma or overloading, this condition usually worsens unless treated. Local muscles spasm and cause aberrant motion of the joints. The local connective tissues inflame and begin to scar causing further aberrant motion.
differential diagnosis
osteoarthritis
herniated disc
other musculoskeletal conditions
footnotes