Spondylarthrosis - facet joint arthrosis

Spondylarthrosis refers to wear and tear of the vertebral joints or facet joints. These joints are responsible for stabilising the rear column of the spine. In over 90%, facet arthrosis occurs secondarily, i.e. as a result of degeneration and shrinkage of the intervertebral discs, which is associated with a loss of normal disc height. This also causes the facets to be pressed together, leading to wear and tear over time. In approximately 10%, facet arthrosis can also occur primarily and is observed in juvenile (= idiopathic) scoliosis or congenital hollow back (hyperlordosis). This arthrosis of the facet joints can be very painful. Regular physiotherapy or injections of painkillers into the facet joints often help. If this does not lead to lasting success, the facets can also be surgically denervated, i.e. the nerve branches that lead into the facet joint are severed. This can relieve the pain, but does not eliminate the cause. Modern dynamic internal fixators and early developments in facet joint endoprostheses are promising. After surgical removal of the diseased facet parts, these implants take over the function of the facet joints and give the spine the stability it needs.