Encapsulated Ruffini‐like endings in human lumbar facet joints

Vandenabeele, Frank; Creemers, J; Lambrichts, Ivo; Lippens, Peter; Jans, M

doi:10.1046/j.1469-7580.1997.19140571.x

Cited by 23 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…For example, microinjury may occur after sustained and repetitive lumbar flexion, which increases facet joint range of motion and thus FCL strain [44]. The perception of pain is likely to emanate from the FCL itself because human cervical, thoracic, and lumbar FCLs are densely innervated with proprioceptive, nociceptive, and mechanoreceptive nerve endings [45–49]. Vandenabeele et al [49] and McLain and Pickar [47] published images of the nerve fibers and endings within the lumbar FCL, but to our knowledge a schematic of innervation location has not been reported.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The perception of pain is likely to emanate from the FCL itself because human cervical, thoracic, and lumbar FCLs are densely innervated with proprioceptive, nociceptive, and mechanoreceptive nerve endings [45–49]. Vandenabeele et al [49] and McLain and Pickar [47] published images of the nerve fibers and endings within the lumbar FCL, but to our knowledge a schematic of innervation location has not been reported. Based on our findings, the middle body of the FCL would be a logical location for position- and pain-sensing nerve endings because of the large and readily occurring stress and strain values, at least in the case of lumbar flexion.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Computer simulation of lumbar flexion shows shear of the facet capsular ligament

Claeson

Barocas

2017

The Spine Journal

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BACKGROUND CONTEXT The lumbar facet capsular ligament (FCL) is a posterior spinal ligament with a complex structure and kinematic profile. The FCL has a curved geometry, multiple attachment sites, and preferentially aligned collagen fiber bundles on the posterior surface that are innervated with mechanoreceptive nerve endings. Spinal flexion induces three-dimensional (3D) deformations, requiring the FCL to maintain significant tensile and shear loads. Previous works aimed to study 3D facet joint kinematics during flexion, but to our knowledge none have reported localized FCL surface deformations likely created by this complex structure. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to elucidate local deformations of both the posterior and anterior surfaces of the lumbar FCL to understand the distribution and magnitude of in-plane and through-plane deformations, including the prevalence of shear. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING The FCL anterior and posterior surface deformations were quantified through creation of a finite element model simulating facet joint flexion using a realistic geometry, physiological kinematics, and fitted constitutive material. METHODS Geometry was obtained from the micro-CT data of a healthy L3–L4 facet joint capsule (n=1); kinematics were extracted from sagittal plane fluoroscopic data of healthy volunteers (n=10) performing flexion; and average material properties were determined from planar biaxial extension tests of L4–L5 FCLs (n=6). All analyses were performed with the non-linear finite element solver, FEBio. A grid of equally spaced 3×3 nodes on the posterior surface identified regional differences within the strain fields and was used to create comparisons against previously published experimental data. This study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the authors have no disclosures. RESULTS Inhomogeneous in-plane and through-plane shear deformations were prominent through the middle body of the FCL on both surfaces. Anterior surface deformations were more pronounced because of the small width of the joint space, whereas posterior surface deformations were more diffuse because the larger area increased deformability. We speculate these areas of large deformation may provide this proprioceptive system with an excellent measure of spinal motion. CONCLUSIONS We found that in-plane and through-plane shear deformations are widely present in finite element simulations of a lumbar FCL during flexion. Importantly, we conclude that future studies of the FCL must consider the effects of both shear and tensile deformations.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Computer simulation of lumbar flexion shows shear of the facet capsular ligament

Claeson

Barocas

2017

The Spine Journal

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“…The capsule, as well as the subchondral bone, synovium and folds, are richly innervated with mechanoreceptive, proprioceptive and nociceptive nerve endings [21,[85][86][87][88].Therefore, mechanical loading of any of those innervated tissues in the facet joint could activate nerve endings and modulate the signals in the nervous system to initiate the development and maintenance of pain and/or cellular dysfunction. The nervous system is also involved in modulating the overall mechanical response of the facet joint and its tissues since the intensity and frequency of the mechanical stimuli experienced by these nerve endings also provide feedback to the central nervous system which is used to adjust the activity of the surrounding muscles and correct the loading of the joint in realtime [89][90][91].…”

Section: Synovium Menisci and Capsular Ligamentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spinal Facet Joint Biomechanics and Mechanotransduction in Normal, Injury and Degenerative Conditions

Jaumard¹,

Welch²,

Winkelstein³

2011

J. Biomech. Eng.

276

225

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The facet joint is a crucial anatomic region of the spine owing to its biomechanical role in facilitating articulation of the vertebrae of the spinal column. It is a diarthrodial joint with opposing articular cartilage surfaces that provide a low friction environment and a ligamentous capsule that encloses the joint space. Together with the disc, the bilateral facet joints transfer loads and guide and constrain motions in the spine due to their geometry and mechanical function. Although a great deal of research has focused on defining the biomechanics of the spine and the form and function of the disc, the facet joint has only recently become the focus of experimental, computational and clinical studies. This mechanical behavior ensures the normal health and function of the spine during physiologic loading but can also lead to its dysfunction when the tissues of the facet joint are altered either by injury, degeneration or as a result of surgical modification of the spine. The anatomical, biomechanical and physiological characteristics of the facet joints in the cervical and lumbar spines have become the focus of increased attention recently with the advent of surgical procedures of the spine, such as disc repair and replacement, which may impact facet responses. Accordingly, this review summarizes the relevant anatomy and biomechanics of the facet joint and the individual tissues that comprise it. In order to better understand the physiological implications of tissue loading in all conditions, a review of mechanotransduction pathways in the cartilage, ligament and bone is also presented ranging from the tissue-level scale to cellular modifications. With this context, experimental studies are summarized as they relate to the most common modifications that alter the biomechanics and health of the spine-injury and degeneration. In addition, many computational and finite element models have been developed that enable more-detailed and specific investigations of the facet joint and its tissues than are provided by experimental approaches and also that expand their utility for the field of biomechanics. These are also reviewed to provide a more complete summary of the current knowledge of facet joint mechanics. Overall, the goal of this review is to present a comprehensive review of the breadth and depth of knowledge regarding the mechanical and adaptive responses of the facet joint and its tissues across a variety of relevant size scales.

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“…The ultrastructure of these receptors has been described. 20,21 The Z joint capsules throughout the vertebral column are thought to do little to limit motion. 22 However, the capsules probably help to stabilize the Z joints during motions.…”

Section: Studies Related To Smmentioning

confidence: 99%

Basic Science Research Related to Chiropractic Spinal Adjusting: The State of the Art and Recommendations Revisited

Cramer

Budgell

Henderson

et al. 2006

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics

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Encapsulated Ruffini‐like endings in human lumbar facet joints

Cited by 23 publications

References 41 publications

Computer simulation of lumbar flexion shows shear of the facet capsular ligament

Computer simulation of lumbar flexion shows shear of the facet capsular ligament

Spinal Facet Joint Biomechanics and Mechanotransduction in Normal, Injury and Degenerative Conditions

Basic Science Research Related to Chiropractic Spinal Adjusting: The State of the Art and Recommendations Revisited

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