scholarly journals Analysis of Sagittal Profile and Radiographic Parameters in Symptomatic Thoracolumbar Disc Herniation Patients

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ang Gao ◽  
Yongqiang Wang ◽  
Miao Yu ◽  
Xiaoguang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Thoracic Spine ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Sagittal Profile ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Sagittal Vertical Axis ◽  
Radiographic Parameters ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Thoracolumbar Region

Abstract Background Few studies describe thoracolumbar disc herniation (TLDH) as an isolated category, it is frequently classified as the lower thoracic spine or upper lumbar spine. Thus, less is known about the morphology and aetiology of TLDH compared to lumbar disc herniation (LDH)The aim of study is to investigate sagittal alignment in TLDH, and analyze sagittal profile with radiographic parameters.Methods Data from 70 patients diagnosed with TLDH were retrospectively reviewed. The thoracic-lumbar alignment was depicted by description of curvatures (the apex of lumbar curvature, the apex of thoracic curvature, and inflexion point of the two curvatures) and radiographic parameters from complete standing long-cassette spine radiographs. The rank sum test was utilised to compare radiographic parameters values in each subtype. Results We found two subtypes differentiated by the apex of thoracic kyphotic curves. The apex of the thoracic kyphotic curve located in the middle thoracic spine in type I, and the apex of the thoracic kyphotic curve located in the thoracolumbar region in type II patients. Thirty-six patients were classified as type I, and 34 patients were classified as type II. The mean sagittal vertical axis, T1 pelvic angle and L1 pelvic angle were 27.9±24.8°, 8.2±7.3° and 6.2±4.9°, respectively. There was significant difference (p<0.001) of thoracolumbar angle between type I patients (14.9±7.9°) and type II patients (29.1±13.7°).Conclusions We presented two distinctive sagittal profiles in TLDH patients, and a regional kyphotic deformity with a balanced spine was validated in both subtypes. In view of the different curvatures, different aetiologies were discovered in each subtype. Mismatch between shape and SS value was observed, and better agreement was found in Type II patients.

scholarly journals Analysis of sagittal profile and radiographic parameters in symptomatic thoracolumbar disc herniation patients

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ang Gao ◽  
Miao Yu ◽  
Yongqiang Wang ◽  
Xiaoguang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Thoracic Spine ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Sagittal Profile ◽  
Sacral Slope ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Radiographic Parameters ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Thoracolumbar Region

Abstract Background Few studies describe thoracolumbar disc herniation (TLDH) as an isolated category, it is frequently classified as the lower thoracic spine or upper lumbar spine. Thus, less is known about the morphology and aetiology of TLDH compared to lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The aim of study is to investigate sagittal alignment in TLDH and analyze sagittal profile with radiographic parameters.Methods Data from 70 patients diagnosed with TLDH were retrospectively reviewed. The thoracic-lumbar alignment was depicted by description of curvatures (the apex of lumbar curvature, the apex of thoracic curvature, and inflexion point of the two curvatures) and radiographic parameters from complete standing long-cassette spine radiographs. The rank sum test was utilised to compare radiographic parameter values in each subtype. Results We found two subtypes differentiated by the apex of thoracic kyphotic curves. The apex of the thoracic kyphotic curve located in the middle thoracic spine in type I, and the apex of the thoracic kyphotic curve located in the thoracolumbar region in type II patients. Thirty-six patients were classified as type I, and 34 patients were classified as type II. The mean sagittal vertical axis, T1 pelvic angle and L1 pelvic angle were 27.9±24.8°, 8.2±7.3° and 6.2±4.9°, respectively. There was significant difference (p<0.001) of thoracolumbar angle between type I (14.9±7.9°) and type II patients (29.1±13.7°).Conclusions We presented two distinctive sagittal profiles in TLDH patients, and a regional kyphotic deformity with a balanced spine was validated in both subtypes. In view of the different curvatures, different aetiologies were discovered in each subtype. Mismatch between shape and sacral slope value was observed, and better agreement was found in Type II patients.

scholarly journals Analysis of sagittal profile and radiographic parameters in symptomatic thoracolumbar disc herniation patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ang Gao ◽  
Yongqiang Wang ◽  
Miao Yu ◽  
Xiaoguang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Thoracic Spine ◽  
Normal Population ◽  
Sagittal Profile ◽  
Sacral Slope ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Radiographic Parameters ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Thoracolumbar Region

Abstract Background Few studies describe thoracolumbar disc herniation (TLDH) as an isolated category, it is frequently classified as the lower thoracic spine or upper lumbar spine. Thus, less is known about the morphology and aetiology of TLDH compared to lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The aim of study is to investigate sagittal alignment in TLDH and analyze sagittal profile with radiographic parameters. Methods Data from 70 patients diagnosed with TLDH were retrospectively reviewed. The thoracic-lumbar alignment was depicted by description of curvatures (the apex of lumbar curvature, the apex of thoracic curvature, and inflexion point of the two curvatures) and radiographic parameters from complete standing long-cassette spine radiographs. The rank sum test was utilised to compare radiographic parameter values in each subtype. Results We found two subtypes differentiated by the apex of thoracic kyphotic curves. The sagittal profile was similar to that of the normal population in type I, presenting the apex of the thoracic kyphotic curve located in the middle thoracic spine. The well aligned thoracic-lumbar curve was disrupted in type II, presenting the apex of the thoracic kyphotic curve located in the thoracolumbar region in type II patients. Thirty-six patients were classified as type I, and 34 patients were classified as type II. The mean sagittal vertical axis, T1 pelvic angle and L1 pelvic angle were 27.9 ± 24.8°, 8.2 ± 7.3° and 6.2 ± 4.9°, respectively. There was significant difference (p < 0.001) of thoracolumbar angle between type I (14.9 ± 7.9°) and type II patients (29.1 ± 13.7°). Conclusions We presented two distinctive sagittal profiles in TLDH patients, and a regional kyphotic deformity with a balanced spine was validated in both subtypes. In type I patients, disc degeneration was accelerated by regional kyphosis in the thoracolumbar junction and eventually caused disc herniation. In type II patients, excessive mechanical stress was directly loaded at the top of the curve (thoracolumbar apex region) rather than being diverted by an arc as in a normal population or type I patients. Mismatch between shape and sacral slope value was observed, and better agreement was found in Type II patients.

scholarly journals Analysis of sagittal profile and radiographic parameters in symptomatic thoracolumbar disc herniation patients

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ang Gao ◽  
Yongqiang Wang ◽  
Miao Yu ◽  
Xiaoguang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Thoracic Spine ◽  
Normal Population ◽  
Sagittal Profile ◽  
Sacral Slope ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Radiographic Parameters ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Thoracolumbar Region

Abstract Background: Few studies describe thoracolumbar disc herniation (TLDH) as an isolated category, it is frequently classified as the lower thoracic spine or upper lumbar spine. Thus, less is known about the morphology and aetiology of TLDH compared to lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The aim of study is to investigate sagittal alignment in TLDH and analyze sagittal profile with radiographic parameters.Methods: Data from 70 patients diagnosed with TLDH were retrospectively reviewed. The thoracic-lumbar alignment was depicted by description of curvatures (the apex of lumbar curvature, the apex of thoracic curvature, and inflexion point of the two curvatures) and radiographic parameters from complete standing long-cassette spine radiographs. The rank sum test was utilised to compare radiographic parameter values in each subtype.Results: We found two subtypes differentiated by the apex of thoracic kyphotic curves. The sagittal profile was similar to that of the normal population in type I, presenting the apex of the thoracic kyphotic curve located in the middle thoracic spine. The well aligned thoracic-lumbar curve was disrupted in type II, presenting the apex of the thoracic kyphotic curve located in the thoracolumbar region in type II patients. Thirty-six patients were classified as type I, and 34 patients were classified as type II. The mean sagittal vertical axis, T1 pelvic angle and L1 pelvic angle were 27.9±24.8°, 8.2±7.3° and 6.2±4.9°, respectively. There was significant difference (p<0.001) of thoracolumbar angle between type I (14.9±7.9°) and type II patients (29.1±13.7°).Conclusions: We presented two distinctive sagittal profiles in TLDH patients, and a regional kyphotic deformity with a balanced spine was validated in both subtypes. In type I patients, disc degeneration was accelerated by regional kyphosis in the thoracolumbar junction and eventually caused disc herniation. In type II patients, excessive mechanical stress was directly loaded at the top of the curve (thoracolumbar apex region) rather than being diverted by an arc as in a normal population or type I patients. Mismatch between shape and sacral slope value was observed, and better agreement was found in Type II patients.

scholarly journals Analysis of the efficacy of ozone therapy on different types of lumbar disc herniation: a new guidance is coming? [abstract]

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenan Hao ◽  
Huan Liu ◽  
Yang Yang ◽  
Qingle Zeng ◽  
Xiaofeng He
Keyword(s):  
Nucleus Pulposus ◽  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Ozone Treatment ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Ring Type ◽  
Type Iv ◽  
Fibre Ring

PURPOSE: To investigate the sub-types of lumbar disc herniation, compare efficacies of ozone treatment in various types of lumbar disc herniation and analyze the mechanisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 250 patients (159 males, 91 females; age range: 14 - 85 years) diagnosed of lumbar disc herniation from January 2009 to Jun 2014 in Nanfang Hospital were enrolled. Disc Lesions, classified by Magnetic Resonance examinations and images when injecting ozone under Digital Subtraction Angiography, were divided into four types: type I: Non-prominent nucleus pulposus with ruptured fibre ring; type II: Prominent nucleus pulposus with ruptured fibre ring; type III: Non-prominent nucleus pulposus with Non-ruptured fibre ring; type IV: Prominent nucleus pulposus with Non-ruptured fibre ring. All patients underwent intradiscal and paravertebral injection of oxygen-ozone. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) weighted score was administered for the measurement of low back pain before treatment, and the evaluation of efficacy respectively at 1 week, 1 month, 6 month and 12 month follow-up period. RESULTS: Most of the patients (about 4/5) showed better response to ozone treatment. Herniated disc shrinkage was obtained among type II and IV. The type II had the most reduction of average score while the type III had the least. The proportion of patients who had once experienced pain relief at the follow up interval, namely the curative efficacy, showed significant difference: type I occupied the most, type IV occupied the least. CONCLUSION: Ozone treatment is effective and safe for all types of lumbar disc herniation, but efficacy varies according the types, of which type I has the best results and type IV has the worst ones.

scholarly journals Different spinal subtypes with varying characteristics of lumbar disc degeneration at specific level with age: a study based on an asymptomatic population

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shao-qing Chen ◽  
Qing-ping Li ◽  
Ying-ying Huang ◽  
An-na Guo ◽  
Rui-fang Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disc Degeneration ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Lumbar Disc Degeneration ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Lumbar Intervertebral Disc ◽  
Specific Level ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background The relationship between spinal sagittal subtypes and lumbar disc degeneration is unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relationship between lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration and age in asymptomatic healthy individuals with different sagittal alignments. Methods In this cross-sectional observational study, we examined 209 asymptomatic young and middle-aged volunteers (123 women and 86 men) who were divided into the following three groups according to age: groups A (20–30 years), B (31–40 years), and C (41–50 years). The volunteers underwent full-spine standing lateral radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, 3.0 T) of the lumbar spine. Based on panoramic radiography, two observers measured the spinopelvic parameters and classified the spine into Roussouly subtypes. The degree of disc degeneration was assessed based on T2-weighted images according to the Pfirrmann classification. Results There was a statistically significant difference in the degree of degeneration of type I spine between groups B and C at L4-L5 (P < 0.03) and L5-S1 (P < 0.01) and between groups A and C at L1-L2 (P < 0.04) and L4-L5 (P < 0.01). The degeneration degree of type II spine at all levels were significantly different between groups A and C. No statistically significant difference was found between groups A and B in all subtypes except for type II spine at L1-L2 (P < 0.04). A significant difference was found at four levels between groups B and C in type III spine (P < 0.05) and between groups A and C. For type IV spine, there was a significant difference in the degree of degeneration at L4-L5 (P < 0.02) between groups A and C. Moreover, almost all single parameters were not strongly correlated with the degree of disc degeneration. Conclusion The different spinal subtypes have characteristics of lumbar disc degeneration at specific levels with age. We considered that spinal classification could be used as a predictor of lumbar disc degeneration. Our data may be helpful to increase awareness of the relationship between spinal subtypes and lumbar disc degeneration. Level of evidence 3

The utility of supine radiographs in the assessment of thoracic flexibility and risk of proximal junctional kyphosis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Francis Lovecchio ◽  
Renaud Lafage ◽  
Jonathan Charles Elysee ◽  
Alex Huang ◽  
Bryan Ang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thoracic Spine ◽  
Lumbar Lordosis ◽  
Pelvic Tilt ◽  
Pelvic Incidence ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Control Analysis ◽  
Proximal Junctional Kyphosis ◽  
Sagittal Vertical Axis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Junctional Kyphosis

OBJECTIVE Supine radiographs have successfully been used for preoperative planning of lumbar deformity corrections. However, they have not been used to assess thoracic flexibility, which has recently garnered attention as a potential contributor to proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK). The purpose of this study was to compare supine to standing radiographs to assess thoracic flexibility and to determine whether thoracic flexibility is associated with PJK. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted of a single-institution database of patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). Sagittal alignment parameters were compared between standing and supine and between pre- and postoperative radiographs. Thoracic flexibility was determined as the change between preoperative standing thoracic kyphosis (TK) and preoperative supine TK, and these changes were measured over the overall thoracic spine and the fused portion of the thoracic spine (i.e., TK fused). A case-control analysis was performed to compare thoracic flexibility between patients with PJK and those without (no PJK). The cohort was also stratified into three groups based on thoracic flexibility: kyphotic change (increased TK), lordotic change (decreased TK), and no change. The PJK rate was compared between the cohorts. RESULTS A total of 101 patients (mean 63 years old, 82.2% female, mean BMI 27.4 kg/m2) were included. Preoperative Scoliosis Research Society–Schwab ASD classification showed moderate preoperative deformity (pelvic tilt 27.7% [score ++]; pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis mismatch 44.6% [score ++]; sagittal vertical axis 42.6% [score ++]). Postoperatively, the average offset from age-adjusted alignment goals demonstrated slight overcorrection in the study sample (−8.5° ± 15.6° pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis mismatch, −29.2 ± 53.1 mm sagittal vertical axis, −5.4 ± 10.8 pelvic tilt, and −7.6 ± 11.7 T1 pelvic angle). TK decreased between standing and supine radiographs and increased postoperatively (TK fused: −25.3° vs −19.6° vs −29.9°; all p < 0.001). The overall rate of radiographic PJK was 23.8%. Comparisons between PJK and no PJK demonstrated that offsets from age-adjusted alignment goals were similar (p > 0.05 for all). There was a significant difference in the PJK rate when stratified by thoracic flexibility cohorts (kyphotic: 0.0% vs no change: 18.4% vs lordotic: 35.0%; p = 0.049). Logistic regression revealed thoracic flexibility (p = 0.045) as the only independent correlate of PJK. CONCLUSIONS Half of patients with ASD experienced significant changes in TK during supine positioning, a quality that may influence surgical strategy. Increased thoracic flexibility is associated with PJK, possibly secondary to fusing the patient’s spine in a flattened position intraoperatively.

RA05.04: MANAGEMENT & OUTCOMES OF ANASTOMOTIC LEAKS FOLLOWING ESOPHAGECTOMY: A PROSPECTIVE 10-YEAR SINGLE-SITE EXPERIENCE

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 28-28
Author(s):  
Joel Lambert ◽  
Sanya Caratella ◽  
Eloise Lawrence ◽  
Bilal Alkhaffaf
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Anastomotic Leak ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Type I ◽  
Oral Contrast ◽  
Open Approach ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Anastomotic Leaks ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Anastomotic leak after esophagectomy is associated with high levels of morbidity and may impact negatively on oncological outcomes. The aim of this single centre study was to describe our experience in managing these complications Methods From 2007–2017 data was reviewed retrospectively from our prospectively maintained electronic database. All patients underwent either 2 or 3 phase esophagectomy for cancer of the oesophagus or esophago-gastric junction. All histological sub-types and stage of cancer were included in the analysis. Anastomotic leaks were classified according to the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG) guidelines; type I—conservative management, type II—non-surgical intervention, type III—surgical intervention. Results 224 esophagectomies were included in our analysis (104 (46%) minimally invasive, 120 (54%) open approach). The incidence of all anastomotic leaks was 10% (23/224). Surgical approach did not influence the incidence of anastomotic leak (minimally invasive 10 (43%), open approach 13(57%), P = 0.76). Five patients (22%) had a type I leak, 9 patients (39%) type II and 9 (39%) had a type III leak. There was an increase in the number of leaks managed non-surgically over the last 5 years compared to those in the first five years of our dataset (2012–2017: 11/23 (48%) vs 2007–2012: 4/23 (17%) P = 0.08). The median time for leak diagnosis was 8 days. Most leaks were diagnosed with oral contrast CT 19 (83%). Median hospital stay after anastomotic leak was 58.5 days. Type III leaks were associated with an increased length of stay (median 84 days) compared to type I&II leaks (median (38.5 days) (P = 0.002 95% CI 18.19- 74.41). There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between type I&II (0 patients) and type III leaks (1 patient) P = 0.260. Conclusion Low mortality rates with anastomotic leak can be achieved. In centres with experienced radiological and endoscopic skills, most anastomotic leaks can be managed non-surgically. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

scholarly journals Intervertebral disc vacuum phenomenon is associated with Modic changes in the adjacent endplate: implications for discogenic back pain

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junhui Liu ◽  
Yufeng Xiang ◽  
Zhi Shan ◽  
Shunwu Fan ◽  
Fengdong Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Intervertebral Discs ◽  
Modic Changes ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Vacuum Phenomenon ◽  
Lower Lumbar Spine ◽  
Lumbar Degenerative Diseases ◽  
Lower Lumbar

Abstract Background Back pain often arises from degenerative changes in lumbar intervertebral discs and their adjacent endplates. A painful endplate is not easy to identify in patients, but could possibly be revealed by inflammatory-like ‘Modic’ changes and by a ‘vacuum phenomenon’ within the disc. We hypothesize that Modic changes and a VP often co-exist in those lumbar levels most closely associated with back pain Methods We scanned 1023 consecutive inpatients of the Department of Orthopaedics from 2015 August to 2018 August, all patients suffered from lumbar degenerative diseases, whether the patients had back pain or not were evaluated, and the prevalence and location of vacuum phenomenon(VP) and Modic changes were compared at each spinal level. Results 5115 discs were studied from 1023 patients. The number of discs showed to have a VP was 430 using CT, of the 430 discs with a CT-diagnosed VP, 116 were L4-5, and 171 were L5-S1. 522 of the 5115 discs exhibited Modic changes, with prevalence of type I, type II and type III Modic changes being 1.6%, 8.2% and 0.4% respectively. Modic changes usually occurred adjacent to L4-5 discs or L5-S1 discs. The prevalence of back pain was higher in the VP group than no-VP group, VP were significantly associated with Modic changes Type II at L4/5 and at L5/S1. Conclusion VP are closely associated with back pain and Modic changes in the lower lumbar spine. Further investigations may be warranted when radiographs or CT identify a VP in a lumbar disc.

scholarly journals Effect Of Cupping Massage and Modified Spinal Decompression Therapy With Exercise Therapy in Neck Radiculopathy Syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 340-348
Author(s):  
Al-Jazzazi, Saleem. Abdulmageed, Et. al.
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Cervical Radiculopathy ◽  
New Method ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Cervical Disc ◽  
Spinal Decompression ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Cervical Traction ◽  
Lumbar Traction

Cervical radiculopathy Syndrome (CRS) is a common neuro-musculo-skeletal disorder causing pain and disability. Manual therapy interventions including cervical traction with other treatment modalities have been advocated to decrease pain and disability caused by cervical radiculopathy (CR). Al-Qudah & AL-Jazzazi (2021) conducted a new method of Spinal Decompression Therapy (SDT) in patients with Chronic Lumbar Disc Herniation (CLDH) which includes Combination of Lumbar Traction With Cervical Traction (CLTCT) as one intervention. Despite of that this new method clinically reduces pain and disability more effectively than the conventional types of Traction, CLTCT method was not previously used in CR patients nor with Cervical Disc Herniation (CDH). The clinical effectiveness of this new method with other treatment modalities in patients with CRS was not approved yet.  OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the presented work is to identify the effectiveness of rehabilitative program on patients with Cervical Radiculopathy, by (15) sessions for (4) Weeks. The suggested Rehabilitative program consisted of: 1.Supine Soft Full Back, Shoulders and Neck Cupping Massage (CM) for (10) minutes, 2.CLTCT: Combined Lumbar Traction with Cervical Traction as one intervention for (20) minutes, 3.Gradual Therapeutic Exercise Package of Neck Stretching and Strengthening Exercise for approximately (15) minutes. METHODS: In this study, Five outdoor male patients had accepted to participate  and were randomly chosen from Al-Karak Governmental Hospital, All subjects applied the proposed rehabilitative program. The results were analyzed using the SPSS system. RESULTS: indicates that there was statistically significant difference between the pre and post measurements in favor of the post measurements in terms of Pain, Disability. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that the use of proposed rehabilitative program has a positive effect on patients with Cervical Radiculopathy.

scholarly journals A Study of Lumbar Disc Herniation and Facet Joint Asymmetry

2019 ◽  
Vol 103 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 87-94
Author(s):  
Qi Lai ◽  
Yuan Liu ◽  
Runsheng Guo ◽  
Xin Lv ◽  
Qiang Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Facet Joint ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Patients Âgés ◽  
Lower Lumbar Spine ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Facet Joint Degeneration ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Lumbar Facet

Purpose: To investigate the association of facet joint asymmetry with lumbar disc herniation at the lower lumbar spine. Methods: A total of 90 patients (ages 18–40 years) with single-level disc herniation (L3–L4, L4–L5, or L5–S1) were included in the study. Facet asymmetry was defined as a difference of 10° in facet joint angles between right and left sides. Normal discs in the same segment of other individuals were used as a control. Patients had facet asymmetry measured for L3 to S1 through 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging, and information was collected, including age, sex, degenerative degree of lumbar facet joints, and the presence or absence of lumbar disc herniation and type. Results: At the L3 to L4 level, 2 cases had facet asymmetry in 8 patients with lumbar disc herniation, compared with 17 cases of facet asymmetry in 82 patients without disc herniation (P = 0.7776, r = 0.030). At the L4 to L5 level, there were 21 cases of facet asymmetry in 45 patients with lumbar disc herniation, compared with 5 cases of asymmetry in 45 patients without disc herniation (P = 0.00019, r = 0.392). At the L5 to S1 level, there were 25 cases of facet asymmetry in 37 patients with lumbar disc herniation, compared with 11 cases of facet asymmetry in 53 patients without disc herniation (P = 0.0000, r = 0.492). There were 23 cases of facet asymmetry in 28 disc herniations of side type compared with 2 cases of facet asymmetry in 9 herniations of center type (P = 0.0008, r = 0.364). There was no significant difference in the relationship between age, facet joint degeneration, and lumbar facet joint asymmetry (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Facet asymmetry is significantly associated with lumbar disc herniation at the L4 to L5 and the L5 to S1 levels, whereas there is an obvious association with the side type of lumbar disc herniation at the L5 to S1 level.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document