What is it? The Facet Joints are the joint structures that connect each spinal vertebra with another. Each vertebral body has four facet joints that work like hinges. These are the articulating joints of the spine that enable extension, flexion, and rotation. Like all joints, the Facets are lined with cartilage that allows healthy interaction and function with surrounding bone. Facet Disease is the gradual wear and breakdown of the Facet Joints. Facet Disease can also be caused by over-use, arthritis, trauma, or Spondylolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis is a disorder that causes the forward motion (slip) of one vertebral body over the one below. All of these causes lead to the degeneration of the Facet Joint. How it causes pain: With the degeneration of these joints comes pain and discomfort. Generally, the pain is localized to the site of the Facet degeneration, but can also result in radiating pain and/or numbness in the buttocks and legs. Can it be fixed? Facet Disease caused by Spondylolisthes may be repaired by open back surgery, though that is usually only recommended as a last resort. Most true minimally invasive procedures cannot replace the cartilage that is lost. However, there are some specailized minimally invasive procedures that can repair the narrowing of the facet joint space that has been caused by soft tissues and small bony processes. One of the procedures that can treat the pain symptoms related to Facet Disease is called the AccuraScope Procedure. How it can be treated: Certain minimally invasive procedures can successfully treat Facet Disease in many cases by using a minimally-invasive endoscopic procedure to eliminate unnecessary pain nerves-a Facet Denervation procedure. Specially trained physicians can also remove inflamed tissues that compress the nerves entering and exiting the spinal canal-eliminating the source of pain. This can be a great alternative to enduring the hardships that may come along with open back surgery. Lawrence B. Rothstein is a graduate of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio and The Ohio State University School of Medicine (1987). He completed his internship, residency in Anesthesia, and fellowship in Interventional Pain Management at the Cleveland Clinic where he was named Chief Fellow. He is board certified in Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. Dr. Rothstein of Dayton, Ohio is the Chief Medical Officer of North American Spine and pioneer of the AccuraScope Procedure for back pain.
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