Hypertrophy of facet joints
Each vertebral body has two upward and two downward oriented joint surfaces, which are called facet joints (Facies articularis superior and inferior). The facet joints connect the individual vertebral bodies with each other and thus enable the mobility of the spine. The shape and alignment of the facet joints are the reason for the different degrees of movement of the spine.
The cervical spine is very mobile, whereas the thoracic spine is less mobile. Hypertrophy of the facet joints occurs with age and wear and tear-related changes. This leads to the formation of new bones known as spondylophytes.
Through these bone attachments, the body tries to reduce the pressure on the facet joint by increasing its surface area.Unfortunately, this hypertrophy of the facet joints limits the mobility of the spine and constricts the spinal canal, which can contribute to spinal canal stenosis. The Ligamenta flava are very thick and strong ligaments that connect the individual vertebral bodies in the area of the vertebral arches (the part of the vertebral body that surrounds the spinal canal). They consist mainly of elastic fibers that give them their yellow color (lat.
flavus – yellow) and form the posterior end of the spinal canal. The Ligamenta flava support the back muscles in stabilizing the spine when standing upright and prevent the spine from tilting forward. Hypertrophy of the flava ligament occurs as part of degenerative diseases, weakness of the back muscles or as a reaction to a herniated disc, but this is rather rare.
The consequence can be a spinal stenosis. In this case, the spinal canal is constricted, resulting in stress-related pain and sensitivity disorders in the arms or legs.
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