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The zygapophyseal joints, commonly referred to as facet joints, are joints of the vertebral column that fall under the umbrella of the vertebral arches. Contrary to the intervertebral disk, which is a true synovial joint composed of two opposed articular surfaces covered in a layer of hyaline, each pair of vertebrae has two facet joints.
It is damaged in 70% of all subaxial cervical spine injuries, according to estimates. Although the cervical levels are particularly prone, the facet joint injuries is also reported in 22.5% of all thoracic and lumbar level accidents.
The common causes of facet joint injuries are as follows
- Stooping downward
- Jerking or twisting to the side
- Recurring actions
- Sports injuries
- Falling
- Lifting heavy objects
- Degeneration of the cartilage
It is simple to confuse the discomfort of a disc herniation with facet joint symptoms. Pain may radiate down the arms or legs if bone spurs form and press on spinal nerves. It is also possible to experience chronic pain or repeated pain attacks.
The following physical examination techniques would be used to make the first diagnosis of facet joint injury.
Imaging examinations like common radiographs like X-rays may be used in the secondary stage of diagnosis. To see the affected areas in great detail, imaging techniques including MRIs, CTs, and SPECTs are frequently used. The diagnosis is challenging because imaging studies do not always clearly reveal facet joint lesions.
Facet joint injections, in which a doctor injects a local anesthetic and cortisone into the facet joints thought to be the cause of discomfort, are the most precise way to diagnose facet joint injury. The diagnosis could be made quickly if the injection causes a reduction in the pain and discomfort in the facet joints.
Minor facet joint injuries typically go better on their own. The first course of treatment is often conservative nonoperative, and it may include physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications to relieve the patient's facet joint pain. Facet joint pain treatment exercises and low back stretches can also be used to treat and prevent facet joint problems.
Facet joint pain medications, such as muscle relaxants and lidocaine injections, may be required for some patients to relieve pain caused by injured nerves. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and medial branch blocks are two more therapeutic modalities. If the joints have been damaged or displaced, facet joint pain surgery may be necessary. The last resort with facet joint problems is typically surgery for pain relief.
Facet joint injuries are common in crashes involving multiple vehicles, particularly in rear-end collisions. The impact of the collision, the body's jarring movements during the accident, or compression of the body within the car may injure one or more of the many facet joints that make up the spine. Also, it can open the door for the eventual development of facet joint syndrome, a degenerative spinal disorder. If left untreated, it could develop devastating and render the person permanently in pain.
You risk losing a lot of money if you file a personal injury claim following an accident and state that you're fine. Imaging investigations do not always accurately depict the severity of facet joint injuries, making the majority of facet joint injury lawsuits very difficult to prevail in. In the majority of cases, the defendants contend that the claimant's treatment was medically unnecessary. An expert attorney specialized in facet joint injuries and claims would help you to be compensated for your past and projected lost wages, medical expenses, and emotional distress.
