Dr Sandeep Vaishya

DR. SANDEEP VAISHYA

MBBS, MS, MCH (Neurosurgery)
Fellowship Sundt & Mayo Clinic, USA
HOD & Executive Director 

Department of Neurosurgery FMRI

Facet Arthroplasty

Facet Arthroplasty

Facet Arthroplasty

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    Frequently Asked Questions :

    What is the recovery time for facet arthroplasty?
    1. Recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks for light activities, with full recovery ranging from 3-6 months, depending on the procedure.
    1. Risks like infection or nerve damage are rare but possible. However, facet arthroplasty has a high success rate when performed by skilled surgeons.
    1. While facet arthroplasty can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility, results vary. Most patients experience long-term relief, though some may require additional treatments.
    Facet Arthroplasty

    Facet Arthroplasty: Overview and Treatment Options

    Facet arthroplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at treating facet joint problems, often caused by degenerative conditions like arthritis or injury. The facet joints, located between the vertebrae, play a crucial role in stabilizing the spine and allowing movement. When these joints become damaged, they can cause chronic back pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.

    Causes of Facet Arthroplasty

    Facet joint issues usually arise from:

    • Osteoarthritis: Age-related degeneration of the joint cartilage.
    • Injury or Trauma: Accidents or falls can harm the facet joints.
    • Spinal Instability: Misalignment can put stress on these joints.
    • Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to facet joint degeneration.

    Types of Facet Arthroplasty

    There are two main types of facet arthroplasty procedures:

    1. Facet Joint Fusion: Involves fusing two adjacent vertebrae together to eliminate motion at the damaged joint and stabilize the spine.

    Facet Joint Replacement: A more advanced approach where the damaged facet joint is replaced with an artificial implant, preserving some level of movement in the spine.

    Symptoms of Facet Arthroplasty

    Facet joint degeneration can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

    • Chronic Back Pain: Pain that worsens with bending, twisting, or long periods of standing.
    • Stiffness: Difficulty with spinal mobility and flexibility.
    • Pain Radiating to Limbs: Discomfort that may extend to the legs or arms.
    • Inflammation: Swelling and tenderness around the affected joints.

    Diagnosis of Facet Arthroplasty

    To diagnose facet joint problems, your doctor may use:

    • Physical Exam: Checking for tenderness, stiffness, or pain in the spine.
    • Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to assess joint damage.
    • Facet Joint Injections: A diagnostic injection to confirm if the facet joints are causing pain.

    Treatment of Facet Arthroplasty

    Treatment begins with conservative options, including:

    • Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
    • Medications: Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce discomfort.
    • Facet Joint Injections: Corticosteroid injections for pain relief and inflammation reduction.

    If these treatments don’t provide relief, surgical options like facet joint fusion or replacement may be considered.

    Cost of Facet Arthroplasty in India

    The cost of facet arthroplasty in India is significantly lower than in Western countries. On average:

    • Facet Joint Fusion: ₹1,50,000 to ₹3,00,000 ($2,000 – $4,000 USD)
    • Facet Joint Replacement: ₹2,50,000 to ₹4,50,000 ($3,000 – $6,000 USD)

    India offers affordable yet high-quality healthcare, making it a popular destination for medical tourism, especially for spine surgeries.

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