Facet joint

Synonyms
Zwischenwirbelgelenk

The facet joints are small paired joints located between the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae and play an important role in the mobility of the Spine. Together with the Intervertebral discs and the ligaments surrounding the spine, the facet joints form a functional unit.

Imaging

Facet joint on MRI
Axial T2 MRI sequence showing both facet joints (red circle).

Clinical relevance

Degenerative changes in the facet joints can cause pain, which in the cervical region often has typical patterns of radiation[^1].

Facet joint pain
Typical radiation pattern of cervical facet joint pain. Figure adapted from Hurley et al. (2021).

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  • Text added: “Clinical relevance”
  • Text removed: “Clinical relevance”
  • Text changed: “Facet joints are small paired joints located between the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae and play an important role in the mobility of the Spine . Together with the Intervertebral discs and the ligaments surrounding the spine, facet joints form a functional unit.”“Facet joints are small paired joints located between the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae and play an important role in the mobility of the Spine . Together with the Intervertebral discs and the ligaments surrounding the spine, facet joints form a functional unit[^1].”
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