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1: Semin Neurol. 2002 Jun;22(2):187-96.Click here to read Links

The lumbar zygapophyseal (facet) joints: a role in the pathogenesis of spinal pain syndromes and degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Berven S, Tay BB, Colman W, Hu SS.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 94143, USA.

The zygapophyseal joints in the lumbar spine are important structural components contributing to the stability of the lumbar motion segments. Pathology of the zygapophyseal joints in the lumbar spine may be a significant cause of low back pain and segmental instability within the lumbar spine. Management of pathology related to the zygapophyseal joints remains a difficult challenge for the physician caring for patients with spinal disorders. Future investigations with tissue engineering, ligamentous reconstructions, and intervertebral disc replacement or regeneration may have useful applications in the treatment of zygapophyseal joint pathology.

PMID: 12524564 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]