Facet fusion surgery is a procedure designed for patients experiencing chronic back pain associated with facet joint syndrome or spinal arthritis. During this treatment, the problematic vertebrae in the affected area are fused together to restrict joint mobility. In the spine, each of the 24 non-fused vertebrae contains two facet joints, which are surrounded by fibrous ligaments and separated by discs. These facet joints are small and contain minimal synovial fluid, which serves to lubricate the movement of the joints.
What are the benefits of osteoarthritis spine treatment in India?
Facet joint spine surgery boasts high success rates and offers numerous benefits, including:

• Facet-joint injections represent a less invasive approach compared to alternative methods for confirming whether a patient’s lumbar pain originates from the facet joint.
• Without requiring invasive back surgery, this treatment option can effectively reduce inflammation when combined with physical therapy and medication, leading to improved function and overall quality of life for individuals.
• Research studies have indicated that facet-joint injections offer prompt and effective relief from low back discomfort.

Who needs facet joint spine surgery in India?
In the following circumstances, surgery for facet joint symptoms and indicators may be suggested:

1. When aspects such as dislocations or severe fractures cannot be effectively treated non-surgically,
2. When there are coexisting diseases present, such as lumbar herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis,
3. When patients deal with cysts, spinal tumours or cauda equina syndrome,

How is facet joint spine surgery done?
These approaches typically result in minimal tissue damage and involve small incisions, leading to faster recovery times. Additionally, surgeons often perform multiple procedures during a single surgery.

Surgical procedures include the following:
Vertebral decompression
The laminectomy procedure, which entails the removal of the back part of a vertebra, can be employed to address facet abnormalities associated with spondylolisthesis. This condition occurs when one vertebra slips over the vertebra below it, potentially leading to compression of the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves.

Reduction: This procedure involves repairing broken facets and is usually performed when a significant traumatic event has caused a facet to dislocate or fracture. Additionally, other structures within the motion segment, such as the discs and vertebrae, may also sustain damage during this type of trauma and are addressed simultaneously.

Facetectomy: Facetectomy is the surgical procedure of removing bone spurs, which are excess bone growths, that may be encroaching on spinal nerves or the spinal cord. This is achieved by clipping portions of the facet joint to alleviate pressure and restore proper spinal function.
What are the recovery and post-op care like after Facet joint spine surgery in India?
Opting for spine surgery entails a considerable decision-making process. Individuals often harbor concerns not just about the surgery itself, but also about the subsequent healing period and post-operative care. This is understandable, given that the spine is one of the largest and most delicate components of the body.

Recovering from spinal fusion surgeries typically requires a longer period compared to other spine procedures like discectomy, foraminotomy, and laminectomy. Here’s an overview of the recovery process:

Wounded Care: Post-surgery, it’s expected that the wound remains dry. Patients usually change clothes by the second day after the operation. Additional dressings should only be applied if needed.

Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is commonly recommended to enhance the strength, range of motion, and flexibility of your back muscles. This not only aids in faster healing of the operated area but also promotes overall recovery. In some instances, patients may be advised to undergo inpatient physical therapy for a period ranging from 1 to 5 days immediately following surgery.
What are the risks and complications of facet joint spine surgery in India?
Facet joint injections come with some risks and problems, but they’re usually not serious, and complications are rare. However, it’s important to know that there are potential side effects associated with a facet joint injection, including:

Allergic reactions to local anesthetics are rare, and they usually involve X-ray contrast or steroids.Allergies that can be fatal or very severe are uncommon.

Bleeding: Bleeding is a rare occurrence, primarily affecting individuals with pre-existing bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinners.

Infection: Only a small percentage, around 1% to 2%, of injections lead to minor infections, while severe infections occur in just 0.1% to 0.01% of cases.
Facet Joint Spine Surgery Treatment cost in India are as follow