Psoriatic Arthritis and Facet Joints

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Psoriatic Arthritis and Facet Joints

Sunday, June 1st, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Psoriatic arthritis and facet joints can be linked in some situations although it is very rare to see this happen. Facet joints are located in the posterior area of the spine. We have 24 vertebrae that make out the human spine. Between the vertebrae of each spinal segment we can locate 2 facet joints along the spinal canal. Psoriatic arthritis and facet joints are usually linked when dealing with one type of psoriatic arthritis called spondylitis. Near each vertebra we will find a combination of 2 facet joints and disc pace. The result is a 3 joint complex. Each facet joint will present 2 bony surfaces with cartilage between them and different ligaments will surround the cartilage. As with any joint in the human body, facet joints will be lubricated by synovial fluid.

When dealing with psoriatic arthritis that affects the spine, we might also be hit with facet arthropathy, a combination of the two diseases or the manifestation of just one. Many individuals tend to think that psoriatic arthritis and facet joints affected by facet arthropathy are linked in some way but this is not always correct. To put it simple, in the area where facet joints are located, we might see arthritis developing. Also, there is a link between facet arthropathy and psoriatic arthritis when thinking about cause and effect. Psoriatic arthritis can be a cause of facet arthropathy. The latter condition will develop in the case of facet joints being affected by back injuries, fractures, torn ligaments, disc problems or wear and tear. Because psoriatic arthritis causes inflammation, pain and stiffness, it can lead to that wear and tear mentioned above, if there is nothing done about the condition. To put it simply, when suffering from psoriatic arthritis and leaving it not treated properly, you will end up with various other conditions developing, including facet joint problems like facet arthropathy.

When dealing with spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis might affect facet joints. On the other hand we are dealing with a “might” here so it is not necessary for this to happen. In fact, only few cases that show individuals suffering from facet joint problems will also suffer from psoriatic arthritis. The link between the two is very narrow and does bring in a need to consult specialists when dealing with one or both of them. The good news is that it is all treatable to some extent and life is not really in any danger if proper measures are taken.

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