facet capsulotomy
Pronunciation: fas-et cap-syu-LOT-oh-mee
Surgical division or incision of the joint capsule surrounding facet joints to achieve spinal decompression or facilitate joint mobility.
Full Definition
Facet capsulotomy is a surgical procedure involving the deliberate incision or division of the fibrous joint capsule that surrounds the facet joints (zygapophyseal joints) of the spine. This technique is commonly employed during posterior spinal decompressions to provide additional access to neural structures or to release contractures that limit spinal mobility. The procedure must be performed carefully to maintain joint stability while achieving therapeutic goals. In revision spine surgery, capsulotomy may be necessary to address scar tissue formation around previous surgical sites. Editors should distinguish this from facetectomy, which involves removal of the entire facet joint.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from facetectomy (joint removal) and ensure proper hyphenation in compound usage.
In Context
- "Bilateral facet capsulotomy was performed to facilitate adequate neural decompression at the L4-L5 level." — operative report
- "The surgeon noted that facet capsulotomy provided improved visualization of the traversing nerve root." — surgical technique description