What is the main function of the facet joints?

Small joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae. There are two facet joints at each level of the vertebral column, providing stability to the spinal column while allowing movement. They are found at every spinal level, except at the top level of the cervical spine.

What nerve Innervates the facet joint?

The facet joint in the lumbar spine is innervated by the medial branch of the dorsal ramus of the nerve exiting at the same level and also the medial branch of the nerve one level above.

What is the function of the facet?

Function of the facet joints The facet joints bear up to 20% of the forces that act vertically on the spine. Their primary function though is to limit forward gliding and rotation of the vertebrae with respect to one another.

What does the facet joints protect the spine from?

The biomechanical function of each pair of facet joints is to guide and limit movement of the spinal motion segment. In the lumbar spine, for example, the facet joints function to protect the motion segment from anterior shear forces, excessive rotation and flexion.

Where does the innervation of facet joints come from?

Innervation of the atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial joints is derived from the C1 and C2 roots, respectively. In the thoracic and lumbar spine, the facet joints are innervated by medial branches of the dorsal rami of the spinal nerves except at the L5 level.

What do you need to know about dual innervation?

Dual Innervation This concept of dual innervation is very important to remember. The exiting mixed spinal nerve gives off the eventual medial branch that supplies the facet joint at that level, and the joint immediately below.

How are the facet joints in the lumbar spine function?

There are two facet joints in each spinal motion segment and each facet joint is innervated by the recurrent meningeal nerves. The biomechanical function of each pair of facet joints is to guide and limit movement of the spinal motion segment. In the lumbar spine, for example, the facet joints function to protect…

How does degeneration of a facet joint affect the body?

When there is degeneration or inflammation within a facet joint, pain activates the medial branch nerve. These nerves do not control sensations or muscles in the limbs. The movements of each spinal segment are limited by anatomical structures such as ligaments, intervertebral discs, and facets.