Articulación facetaria lumbar: correlación anatómica, clínica e imagenológica

Abstract

Low back pain is a very common reason for emergency room consultation, it is found in approximately 60% of adults, and, within it, facet lumbar pain is one of the main causes, accounting for about 15-56% of low back pain cases. The facet joint stabilizes the spine, helps to distribute loads and has a fundamental role in support, weight distribution, and rotational movements regulation of the spine. Consequently, knowledge of the anatomy and biomechanics of this joint is helpful to have a better understanding of their contribution to the low back pain pathophysiology and, therefore, improving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This paper aims to review the current concepts of embryology, anatomy, biomechanics, and clinical/imaging correlation of the changes associated with lumbar degenerative facet disease.