Suggest Treatment For Cervical Facet Joint Issues

Posted on Thu, 20 Nov 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 20 Nov 2014 Answered on

Mon, 8 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I was wondering what are the surgical treatments for cervical facet issues That cause headaches and neck pain

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Spinal fusion.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for using HCM. Surgery for cervical fascet joint issues causin disabling symptoms, should be reserved when conservative treatment fails to improve the condition. Surgery consists on bone fusion using hardware (anterior or posterior route). Hope this helps. If you have further questions feel free to ask.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (3 hours later)

Is fusion The main surgical treatment for facet issues ? are there any other surgeries that are effective treatment for facet syndrome that dont involve a fusion ? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Surgical option for facet syndrome is fusion.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again. Treatment of facet joint syndrome is mainly conservative. Another option is local injection of steroids. When time comes for surgery, fusion is the treatment option. Hope this helps. Wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (10 hours later)

My last question, Which is a better study for cervical Facets, MRI or CT scan ? Which shows more detail of the degeneration

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
CT scan.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again. CT scan is superior to MRI showing bone structures, MRI is superior to CT showing soft tissue. Hope this helps. Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T