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How To Diagnose Facet Joint Disorder?
Question: Can you pleease tell me what is the diagnostic tests That are used to identify cervical Facet joint issues Is it Cat scans MRI or x rays ?
Thanks
Thanks
Brief Answer:
CT scan gives best information in 3 dimensions
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Facet joints can be evaluated on X ray cervical spine on plain anterior-posterior (front-back), lateral (side view), and oblique (off angle) X-ray films. This shows the facet joints in two dimensions.
However, a CT scan can obtain more information about not only the facet joints but also other structures of the spinal segment.
The MRI scan is not as useful for diagnosing this particular spinal problem, but is extremely helpful when investigating possible disc related problem.
In conclusion, a CT scan will give detailed information on facet joints in 3 dimensions.
Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
CT scan gives best information in 3 dimensions
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Facet joints can be evaluated on X ray cervical spine on plain anterior-posterior (front-back), lateral (side view), and oblique (off angle) X-ray films. This shows the facet joints in two dimensions.
However, a CT scan can obtain more information about not only the facet joints but also other structures of the spinal segment.
The MRI scan is not as useful for diagnosing this particular spinal problem, but is extremely helpful when investigating possible disc related problem.
In conclusion, a CT scan will give detailed information on facet joints in 3 dimensions.
Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
CT scan would have shown bony abnormalities
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
Getting a CT scan and MRI is the best possible investigation to make a complete assessment of bony and soft tissue structures in the region.
The CT scan is better in picking up calcification and degeneration of bones. This makes it the test of choice to know any abnormalities in the bones of the cervical spine at C 2 - C 7 if there was any.
If the CT scan does not mention any bony changes then it is not there.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
CT scan would have shown bony abnormalities
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
Getting a CT scan and MRI is the best possible investigation to make a complete assessment of bony and soft tissue structures in the region.
The CT scan is better in picking up calcification and degeneration of bones. This makes it the test of choice to know any abnormalities in the bones of the cervical spine at C 2 - C 7 if there was any.
If the CT scan does not mention any bony changes then it is not there.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Dislocation always seen on CT scan
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
A CT scan will always show any facet dislocation. It cannot be missed on CT scan. If it is not mentioned, then it is not there. The popping and clicking reported by patients is generally due to degenerative facet joints and patients experiencing this might need to be reassured.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Dislocation always seen on CT scan
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
A CT scan will always show any facet dislocation. It cannot be missed on CT scan. If it is not mentioned, then it is not there. The popping and clicking reported by patients is generally due to degenerative facet joints and patients experiencing this might need to be reassured.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Its possible the clicking and popping could be the Facet Joints ?
They made no mention of it in my Report on the cervical ct scan.
I dont what else could cause those symptoms in the neck
I could Text you the findings of the report if that helps
maybe its osteophytes ?
They made no mention of it in my Report on the cervical ct scan.
I dont what else could cause those symptoms in the neck
I could Text you the findings of the report if that helps
maybe its osteophytes ?
Brief Answer:
Please sent report
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
The clicking and popping might be the facet joint movements.
I am interested in reviewing your report details. Please text me and I will get back to you.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please sent report
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
The clicking and popping might be the facet joint movements.
I am interested in reviewing your report details. Please text me and I will get back to you.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Technique multidetector ct of the cervical spine was preformed without intravenous contrast. Images are reviewed in axial sagittal and coronal reformats.
Findings: Evaluation of the cervical spine demonstrates partial straigjhtening of the cervical lordosis. the vertebral alignment is otherwise preserved without evidence of fracture, subluxation or aggresive osseous lesions. The verebral body heights are maitained, The intervertebral disk is heights are preserved. There are mild discogenic degenerative changes with anterior and posterior vertabral osteophytes at c-5 c6 and c-6 and c-7 The atlantoaxial and atlanto occipital relationships are within normal limits. The Facet joints are aligned The evaluation of the spinal cord demonstrates no intracanal hematoma. The follwing is the detailed description of each intervertabral Level
c-2 Shallow left parasagittal vertabral osteophytes. No disk hernaition spinal canal. or Neural foraminal stenosis
c3-c4 No disk herniation spinal canal or Neural foraminal stenosis
c-4 c-5 No disk herniation spinal canal or Neural foraminal stenosis
c-5 c-6 Central left parasagittal vertabral osteophytes with superimposed disk herniation indenting on the ventral thecal sac resulting in mild spinal canal stenosis. The neural foramina is patent.
c6- c-7 Left parasagittal disk herniation with superimposed vertebral osteophytes, indenting on the spinal cord resulting in moderate spinal canal stenosis. Disk material encroaches on the left exiting c7 nerve root resulting in mild proximal left neural foraminal narrowing.
C-7 t1 No disk herniation spinal canal or neural foraminal stenosis
Thanks XXXXXXX
Findings: Evaluation of the cervical spine demonstrates partial straigjhtening of the cervical lordosis. the vertebral alignment is otherwise preserved without evidence of fracture, subluxation or aggresive osseous lesions. The verebral body heights are maitained, The intervertebral disk is heights are preserved. There are mild discogenic degenerative changes with anterior and posterior vertabral osteophytes at c-5 c6 and c-6 and c-7 The atlantoaxial and atlanto occipital relationships are within normal limits. The Facet joints are aligned The evaluation of the spinal cord demonstrates no intracanal hematoma. The follwing is the detailed description of each intervertabral Level
c-2 Shallow left parasagittal vertabral osteophytes. No disk hernaition spinal canal. or Neural foraminal stenosis
c3-c4 No disk herniation spinal canal or Neural foraminal stenosis
c-4 c-5 No disk herniation spinal canal or Neural foraminal stenosis
c-5 c-6 Central left parasagittal vertabral osteophytes with superimposed disk herniation indenting on the ventral thecal sac resulting in mild spinal canal stenosis. The neural foramina is patent.
c6- c-7 Left parasagittal disk herniation with superimposed vertebral osteophytes, indenting on the spinal cord resulting in moderate spinal canal stenosis. Disk material encroaches on the left exiting c7 nerve root resulting in mild proximal left neural foraminal narrowing.
C-7 t1 No disk herniation spinal canal or neural foraminal stenosis
Thanks XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
I have read through the report text.
You have disc problems at C 5- C 6 and C 6 - C 7 with pressure on the left exiting C 7 nerve root resulting in mild proximal left neural foraminal narrowing.
There are also osteophytes at multiple levels due to degenerative changes.
Straightening of the spine is noted which can be due to muscle spasm.
Regardless of the nerve root or roots which may be irritated all patients complain of a certain amount of stiffness and pain in the neck. Many of them complain of a burning sensation at the base of the neck or between the shoulders and of a popping sensation when the head is turned in a certain way.
The facet joints are aligned (no dislocation) but slight degenerative changes might have started in them.
So it is not just the facet joints but a combined effect of many findings which are causing your pain and popping sensation in your head.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
I have read through the report text.
You have disc problems at C 5- C 6 and C 6 - C 7 with pressure on the left exiting C 7 nerve root resulting in mild proximal left neural foraminal narrowing.
There are also osteophytes at multiple levels due to degenerative changes.
Straightening of the spine is noted which can be due to muscle spasm.
Regardless of the nerve root or roots which may be irritated all patients complain of a certain amount of stiffness and pain in the neck. Many of them complain of a burning sensation at the base of the neck or between the shoulders and of a popping sensation when the head is turned in a certain way.
The facet joints are aligned (no dislocation) but slight degenerative changes might have started in them.
So it is not just the facet joints but a combined effect of many findings which are causing your pain and popping sensation in your head.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Do you think the popping and cracking in the neck is The Facet joints making the actual noises, I dont think the discs or the osteophytes make that noise itself
Thanks Philp
Thanks Philp
Brief Answer:
Imaging can be evasive in cervical facet syndrome
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
Certainly, your views are pointing in the right direction concerning the popping noises you are having. Imaging studies usually are not helpful, with the exception of ruling out other sources of pain, such as fractures or tumors. Signs of cervical spondylosis, narrowing of the intervertebral foramina, osteophytes, and other degenerative changes are equally prevalent in people with and without neck pain. Patients may describe a clicking, grinding, or cracking sensation when turning their head from side to side.
The noises are due to mild degeneration at the facet joints. It is clinically termed cervical facet syndrome.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Imaging can be evasive in cervical facet syndrome
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
Certainly, your views are pointing in the right direction concerning the popping noises you are having. Imaging studies usually are not helpful, with the exception of ruling out other sources of pain, such as fractures or tumors. Signs of cervical spondylosis, narrowing of the intervertebral foramina, osteophytes, and other degenerative changes are equally prevalent in people with and without neck pain. Patients may describe a clicking, grinding, or cracking sensation when turning their head from side to side.
The noises are due to mild degeneration at the facet joints. It is clinically termed cervical facet syndrome.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
could the popping and cracking noises come from the osteophytes or the disks or disk material itself? or more likely the Facet joints in this case
Thanks
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Likely facet joints in your case
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
The noises can appear during movements causing some amount of friction between two surfaces. This happens at the facet joints even in early stages which is happening in your case. It is less commonly associated due to osteophytes or the discs and that requires a significant amount of degeneration.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Likely facet joints in your case
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.
The noises can appear during movements causing some amount of friction between two surfaces. This happens at the facet joints even in early stages which is happening in your case. It is less commonly associated due to osteophytes or the discs and that requires a significant amount of degeneration.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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