%0 Journal Article
%T Innervation of cervical ventral facet joint capsule: Histological evidence
%A Srinivasu Kallakuri
%A Yan Li
%A Chaoyang Chen
%A John M Cavanaugh
%J World Journal of Orthopedics
%D 2012
%I Baishideng Publishing Group Co. Limited
%R 10.5312/wjo.v3.i2.10
%X AIM: To assess the presence of nerves in ventral facet joint capsules as facet capsules are generally implicated in neck pain. METHODS: Twenty-four ventral cervical facet joint capsules were harvested from 3 unembalmed cadavers. Paraffin sections from these capsules were processed to identify neurofilament and substance P immunoreactive fibers. Nerve fiber presence was also verified by a silver impregnation method. RESULTS: Neurofilament reactive fibers were observed in sections from 9 capsules. They were observed in areas with collagen fibers and areas with irregular connective tissue. Substance P reactive nerve fibers were found in sections from 7 capsules in similar areas. Silver impregnation also revealed the presence of nerve fibers. The nerve fibers were also found as bundles in the lateral margins of the capsule. A Pacinian corpuscle-like ending was also observed in one specimen. CONCLUSION: Nerve fibers revealed by neurofilament immunoreactivity and silver staining support innervation of the ventral aspect of the facet joint capsule. The presence of substance P reactive fibers supports the potential role of these elements in mediating pain. The presence of a Pacinian-like ending implicates a potential role in joint movement.
%K Cervical facet joint capsule
%K Whiplash
%K Nerve fibers
%K Neurofilament
%K Substance P
%K Pain
%U http://www.wjgnet.com/2218-5836/full/v3/i2/10.htm