The computed tomography characteristics of lumbar facet joints in spondylosis patients

  • Bui Hoang Anh 108 Military Central Hospital
  • Vu Thi Thanh Hoa 108 Military Central Hospital
  • Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh 108 Military Central Hospital
  • Dinh Gia Khanh 108 Military Central Hospital
  • Hoang Quang Cuong 108 Military Central Hospital
  • Hoang Cong Trong 108 Military Central Hospital
  • Nguyen Ngoc Chau 108 Military Central Hospital

Main Article Content

Keywords

Facet joint, osteoarthritis, low back pain

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate the computed tomography (CT) features of lumbar facet joints in spondylosis patients. Subject and method: It was a cross-sectional and descriptive study including 42 spondylosis patients (416 lumbar facet joints) who took consultation in 108 Military Central Hospital, from December 2021 to July 2022. The subjects were recruited as the correspondence between Gomez Vega 2019 clinical criteria and CT scan. The examined index included: Joint shapes which were C-shaped, straight shape, J-shaped; joint angles regarding sagittal line; joint tropisms. Osteoarthritis characteristics of lumbar facet joints based on Pathria classification with 4 grades. Data were analyzed by SPSS, comparisons of two means were performed by T-test. Statistical significance was defined by p<0.05. Result: Average age of patients was 63.79 ± 2.24 years old, female/male ratio was 4.25. 2/42 (4.76%) patients had sacralization of L5. The proportions of joint shapes (C, straight and J) were 86.76%, 13.24%, 0% respectively. The angle of joints increased in respect of descending levels, from 31.14 ± 8.78o (L12) to 45.61 ± 11.20o (L5S1). The average of articular tropisms in each level were ranged from 5.47 ± 4.09o to 7.58 ± 7.22o. The percentages of Pathria classification (grade 0, 1, 2, 3) were 2.40%, 59.62%, 11.06%, 26.92%, respectively. Pathria 3 dominantly distributed at L45 level (Left 47.62% and right 42.86%). Subchondral sclerosis and hypertrophy contributed to the highest rate of degenerative characteristics (99.03% and 92.51% respectively). Conclusion: C-shaped joint was the most popular. Large tropism might be a consequence of prolonged osteoarthritis. Subchondral sclerosis and hypertrophy presented at almost facet joints. Pathria grade 3 was the most popular at L45 level which had higher percentage of severe osteoarthritis features.

Article Details

References

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