Asymmetric facet joints increase the force through one side of the spine with a unilateral spondylolysis occurring on the coronally oriented facet joint, according to a study published in Spine.
Researchers reviewed CT scans of patients with low back pain and possible diagnosis of spondylolysis and measured the facet joints at L4/5 and L5/S1. The coronal angle of 140 facet joints in 35 patients was recorded. Twenty-three patients had spondylolysis, which was unilateral in 12 patients.
The facet joint angle was significantly more coronally oriented in the patients with spondylolysis.
Read the study about facet joints.
Read other coverage on spine surgery:
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Researchers reviewed CT scans of patients with low back pain and possible diagnosis of spondylolysis and measured the facet joints at L4/5 and L5/S1. The coronal angle of 140 facet joints in 35 patients was recorded. Twenty-three patients had spondylolysis, which was unilateral in 12 patients.
The facet joint angle was significantly more coronally oriented in the patients with spondylolysis.
Read the study about facet joints.
Read other coverage on spine surgery:
- Study: Visual Analog Scale and 5-Point Vertebral Rating Scale Not Interchangeable
- Genetics May Be a Predictor of Spinal Surgery Outcomes
- Study: 84% of BMP Procedures Between 2002 and 2007 Used for Off-Label Applications