They can be the contributors to the stenosis.
The individual vertebrae are linked with the help of connecting tissues known as ligamentum flavum, When there is noticeable swelling due to inflammatory or degenerative changes, it is known as Ligamentum flavum thickening. A spinal MRI scan will be able to detect the swelling.
Ligamentum flavum is placed in the vertebral canal anterior to the spines of vertebrae and laminae of the vertebrae. Thickening of this ligament is common cause of spinal stenosis. Facet on the transverse process in enlarged in a given patient.
This sounds like the soft tissue id pouting pressure on nerves parsing between the vertebrae.dont know the answer to the question dont know the answer to the question
ligamentum flavum hypertrophy is a degenerative condition of the spine which most commonly occurs in the elderly where the tendons holding one vertebra to another thicken, decreasing the amount of room available for the spinal cord and the nerves that come off it. It may be associated with inflammation (arthritis) or osteoporosis. It is frequently treated surgically, and it can recur. This one seems a bit complex to answer easily, So if you follow the related link (Hypertrophy of Ligamentum Flavum in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis) you will find more information.
osteoarthritis affecting many vertebrae.
Hypertrophy of the ligaments in the vertebral canal of the spinal column can narrow the canal (stenosis) to the point that the spinal cord and/or nerve roots running through the canal are compressed. When the posterior longitudinal ligament in front and ligamentum flavum behind the spinal cord hypertrophy the cord is almost "circumferentially" surrounded and compressed.Hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum laterally near the facet joint can also contribute to foraminal narrowing (stenosis) with potential nerve compression (pinching).Source(s):uscneurosurgerysearch.yahoo.com
A bulge of disc material, along with ligamentum flavum thickening and facet joint hypertrophy, can contribute to mild spinal canal narrowing by encroaching on the space that the spinal cord and nerve roots occupy. This narrowing, known as spinal stenosis, can lead to compression of neural structures, potentially causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs. The combination of these factors often occurs due to age-related degeneration or mechanical stress on the spine. Treatment may involve physical therapy, pain management, or, in more severe cases, surgical intervention.
I am assuming that by "facet injections" you mean hydrocortisone injections at the site of spinal facets for pain relief. I still get them about every 6 months or so. I have a combination of osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease and the injections do help manage my pain.
Think of arthropathy as just another word for arthritis or osteoarthritis. The facet joints are joints on either side of each level of the spine that alow for movement of the spine. Facet arthopathy is just arthritis of these joints and a term often used by people reading x-rays or MRIs. Facet arthrosis is also used meaning the same thing. Another general term for this type of arthritis is degenerative joint disease.
A broad-based disc bulge at the L4-L5 level indicates that the intervertebral disc is protruding outward, which can potentially compress nearby nerves and contribute to lower back pain or radiculopathy. Facet hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of the facet joints, which can result from degeneration or arthritis, leading to further pain and reduced mobility. Ligamentous flavum hypertrophy involves thickening of the ligament that runs along the spine, which can also narrow the spinal canal and contribute to spinal stenosis. Together, these findings suggest degenerative changes in the lumbar spine that may require medical evaluation and management.
Facet osteoarthritis at L4-5 refers to degenerative changes in the facet joints at the level of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. This condition can lead to stiffness, limited range of motion, and lower back pain. Treatment may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery.