Where and what are Facet Joints?
Facet joints are found in the posterior of the spine. There are 24 vertebrae which form the human spine. There are two facet joints between the vertebrae of each spinal segment along the spinal column. Located next to each vertebrae in the spine there is a 3 joint complex space which house facet joints and discs. Facet joints, also known as zygapophysial joints, are paired joints that lie more to the back of the spinal column, providing the rear connection between adjacent vertebrae. Although small, they are typical of most other joints of the body, in that they are lined with cartilage and are coated with a lining of joint fluid (called synovial fluid), which is contained within a joint capsule. These joints are supplied by a nerve supply, and thus, when the joint is damaged or inflamed, it can produce pain. Whilst the stability of an inter -vertebral joint is provided mainly by the disc, the facet joints are also essential for stability, particularly if the disc has degenerated.
