Abstract
The lumbar facet joint has been considered an origin of low back pain along with the intervertebral disc. However, there has been considerable controversy over the facet joint as a specific source of pain. Several researchers have tried to postulate a definition of “facet syndrome”, although it has not yet been determined as a unique clinical entity. The following subjects were discussed in the current report: (1) functional anatomy of the facet joint, (2) historical background, (3) facet syndrome, (4) facet joint and lumbar spinal stenosis, (5) facet joint injection and the medial branch of the dorsal ramus block, and (6) basic studies and future perspectives.
