Facet arthritis

The most frequent abnormalities are: Lumbosacral transitional anomalies Scoliosis Hyperyphosis Hyperlordosis Rectification Spondylolysis Spondylolisthesis Vertebral arthritis Facet arthritis Spinal stenosis Fissure, protrusion and disc herniation Postoperative fibrosis Dislocation of the coccyx Atlantoaxial Dislocation Sprain Whiplash Syndrome

What it is

It is the degeneration of the cartilage that separates the joint formed by 2 superposed vertebral laminae.

How it takes place

Facet arthritis is caused by normal wear of the cartilage in the facet joint. In youth, this cartilage is thick and cushions the burden borne by the joint, but it gets thinner with the passage of time. It is normal to find a certain degree of thinning after 30 years of age, but it usually presents no problems.