What is unilateral facet dislocation?

Unilateral facet dislocation occurs when flexion, along with rotation, forces one inferior articular facet of an upper vertebra to pass superior and anterior to the superior articular facet of a lower vertebra, coming to rest in the intervertebral foramen (see the image below). Unilateral facet dislocation.

Is unilateral facet dislocation stable?

Unilateral facet dislocation is a relatively stable type of facet dislocation.

Can you dislocate a facet joint?

One type of injury is a locked facet joint. It’s a kind of dislocation in which a lower vertebra’s facet joint slips “over” the one above it; it can happen on one or both sides of a vertebra. If there is muscle weakness in the surrounding area, or previous injury/locking, it may not take much force to cause it.

What is a facet dislocation?

Facet dislocation refers to the anterior displacement of one vertebral body on another. Without a fracture, the only way anterior displacement can occur is by dislocation of the facets. Facet dislocation can occur to varying degrees: subluxed facets. perched facets.

What is a jumped facet?

A jumped facet joint occurs when the inferior articular process of the superior vertebra is locked anteriorly to the superior articular process of the inferior vertebra. A unilateral jumped facet reflects biomechanical disruption of the posterior spinal column with/without instability that can lead to cord injury.

What are the symptoms of facet joint pain?

Symptoms of Lumbar Facet Joint Disorders

  • Localized pain. A dull ache is typically present in the lower back.
  • Referred pain. The pain may be referred to the buttocks, hips, thighs, or knees, rarely extending below the knee.
  • Radiating pain.
  • Tenderness on palpation.
  • Effect of posture and activity.
  • Stiffness.
  • Crepitus.

What is a perched facet?

“Perched facet joint syndrome” is a condition in which the inferior process of vertebral articular joints appears to sit “perched” on the ipsilateral superior articular process of the vertebra below.

How do you open a locked facet joint?

For locked facet joints, a physician may be able to unlock the joint using a manual joint releasing technique. Several sessions may be needed in order to restore function to the joints and support healing.