Facet Joint Syndrome

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Original Editors - Niels Cloet, Jonas Vangindertael

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Search Strategy

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Definition/Description

Lumbar facet joint syndrome is a multi-factorial process that is intimately tied to degeneration of the intervertebral discs. It’s a painful irritation of the posterior part of the lumbar spine. The swelling of the surrounded structures can cause pain and irritation of the nociceptors.

Clinically Relevant Anatomy

<meta name="Title" content=""><meta name="Keywords" content=""><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 14"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 14"><link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/jonas/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_filelist.xml"></link> <link rel="themeData" href="file://localhost/Users/jonas/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_themedata.xml"></link> <style> </style> The capsule of the facet joint is reinforced posterioly by the multifidus muscle and anterioly by the ligamentum flavum. It is surrounded by fascia, wich itself is continuous with that covering the ligamentum flavum and the investing fascia of the vertebral body. The facet joint capsule therefore can be seen as a bridge of connective tissue between the ligaments of the neural arch and those of the vertebral body. The functions of the lumbar facet joint are flexion extension lateroratation and rotation. </meta></meta></meta></meta></meta></meta>

Epidemiology /Etiology

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Characteristics/Clinical Presentation

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Differential Diagnosis

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Diagnostic Procedures

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Examination

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Medical Management

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Physical Therapy Management

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Key Research

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Clinical Bottom Line

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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)

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References

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