Correlation between lumbar facet joint tropism and lumbar disc herniation

Abstract

Abstract Background The relationship between lumbar facet tropism and lumbar disc herniation is not clear. Previous studies used axial plane to evaluate the relationship between lumbar facet tropism and lumbar disc herniation. However, facet joint tropism occurs in three-dimensional structures, so the evaluation of sagittal plane is also very important. In this study, the relationship between lumbar facet tropism and lumbar disc herniation is analyzed from axial and sagittal planes by MRI. Methods Patients with lumbar disc herniation who were recruited in our hospital from 01 Jan 2020 to 01 Apr 2020. As a control, normal subjects at the same time period were selected. Their MRI data were evaluated by two experienced spinal surgeons. There were 122 patients with lumbar disc herniation and 102 normal people. The axial and sagittal angles of lumbar facet joints were measured. The 10 ° difference was defined as lumbar facet tropism, and the relationship between lumbar disc herniation and facet tropism was analyzed by SPSS. Results In the axial plane, there were 154 segments of lumbar disc herniation, of which 95 segments were asymmetrical and 59 segments were symmetrical. The normal segments were 306, of which 48 segments were asymmetrical and 258 segments of lumbar facet joints were symmetrical, and the difference was significant. In the sagittal plane, there were 154 segments of lumbar disc herniation, including 61 segments of lumbar facet tropism, 93 segments of lumbar facet symmetry. The normal segments were 306, of which 48 segments were asymmetrical. 258 segments were symmetrical. Except for L4-5 segments, the rate of lumbar facet joint tropism had significant different between patients with lumbar disc herniation and normal people . Conclusion in the segment of lumbar disc herniation, the proportion of lumbar facet joint tropism is higher, and there is a significant correlation between lumbar facet joint tropism and lumbar disc herniation.