Clinical anatomy of the fibrous capsule of human lumbar facet joint.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the anatomical and histological characteristics of the fibrous capsule of human lumbar facet joints.


METHODS
Specimens of the facet joint capsules were obtained from 5 embalmed cadavers for macroscopic investigation, and microscopic observation of L5 facet joint capsules obtained from 2 fresh cadavers was performed after the specimens were stained by way of resorzinoroseine-van Gieson method.


RESULTS
The outer layer of the fibrous capsule was constituted by dense regular connective tissue that was in turn composed of parallel bundles of collagenous fibers. In the superior part of the joint capsules, the fibers were arranged in the direction different from that taken by the fibers in the inferior part. In the middle layer of the joint capsules, large quantities of elastic fibers were identified in the roots of the capsule.


CONCLUSIONS
The anatomical and histological complexities adapt the lumbar facet joint to better withstand loads from various directions. Immoderate rotatory manipulations may result in capsule injuries, which may aggravate low back pain in some cases.
Zhang
Yong
Y
Department of TCM, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
Yu
Lei
L
Li
Yi-Kai
YK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D017746:Joint Capsule / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D021801:Zygapophyseal Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology