Abstract
Introduction
Back pain is one of the most common reported health problems in elderly. Two common causes of back pain were included in this study, degenerative disc disease (DDD) and spondylolisthesis (DS). Since facet joint is one of many structures that provide stability for spine, so this study will focus on the facet joint angle of patient. The association between lumbar facet joint angle and tropism in DDD and DS remain unclear.
Materials and Methods
The angle and tropism of lumbar facet joint were retrospectively studied with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 180 subjects to determine whether there is a difference between degenerative diseases. MRI of patients with DDD, DS, and control group at facet joint between L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1 levels were measured in axial view that can clearly see facet joint (60 subjects in each group).
Results
There is no different in facet joint angle in DDD (44.1 ± 11.9) and control (45.6 ± 8.9) but different in DS (40.1 ± 10.7) and control group (p = 0.010) at L4-5 level. Facet tropism shows different between degenerative and control groups (mean different = 2.9 degrees, p = 0.007 in DDD and mean different = 2.2 degrees, p = 0.046 in DS) at L4-5 level.
Conclusion
This study confirms a significant different between facet joints angle at L4-L5 in DS and normal population. Facet tropism in DDD and DS were shown significantly different to normal population. Additional, longitudinal studies are needed to understand the clinical significant in relationship between facet joint angle and tropism in spinal degenerative diseases.
None declared
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