What are Apophyseal joints?

Also known as the zygapophyseal or apophyseal joint, is a synovial joint between the superior articular process of one vertebra and the inferior articular process of the vertebra directly above it. There are two facet joints in each spinal motion segment.

What is Apophyseal joints of cervical spine?

An apophyseal joint is a point where two or more bones join in the spine. The spinal joint is encapsulated by connective tissues, coated with cartilage and lubricated with synovial fluid to enable smooth joint articulation. Each vertebra has a pair of apophyseal joints- one on the left and one on the right.

Is facet joints deterioration serious?

Facet joint syndrome is an arthritis-like condition of the spine that can be a significant source of back and neck pain. It is caused by degenerative changes to the joints between the spine bones. The cartilage inside the facet joint can break down and become inflamed, triggering pain signals in nearby nerve endings.

Are Apophyseal joints and facet joints the same?

The joints in the spine are commonly called Facet Joints. Other names for these joints are Zygapophyseal or Apophyseal Joints. Each vertebra has two sets of facet joints. One pair faces upward (superior articular facet) and one downward (inferior articular facet).

Where do Apophyseal injuries occur?

These injuries usually occur to the hell, the knee or the anterior front of the pelvis. Non-fractures to these areas can usually be treated with rest, ice, compression, elevation and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and the gradual progression back with an emphasis on improving strength and flexibility.

What is an Apophyseal avulsion?

Apophyseal avulsion fractures of the pelvis are injuries that typically occur in adolescent athletes [1]. At this age the secondary ossification at the apophyses coincides with the hormonally induced strengthening of the muscles [2].

What is a common Apophyseal injury?

Common apophyseal injuries, and their sites, include Sever’s disease (posterior calcaneus), Osgood-Schlatter disease (tibial tuberosity), Sindig-Larsen-Johansson syndrome (inferior patella), medial epicondylitis (humeral medial epicondyle) and apophysitis of the hip (iliac crest, ischial tuberosity).