-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