Role of facet tropism in lumbar spine pathologies: Facet osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease and ligamentum flavum thickness

Creative Commons License

Topal A., Aylanç N.

Clinical Imaging, cilt.140, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 140
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2026.110976
  • Dergi Adı: Clinical Imaging
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Compendex, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Degenerative disc disease, Facet joint osteoarthritis, Facet tropism, Ligamentum flavum, MRI
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Facet tropism (FT), defined as asymmetry in the orientation of the bilateral facet joints, may alter segmental biomechanics and load distribution in the lumbar spine. Our aim is to investigate the possible relationship between FT and degenerative disc disease (DDD), facet joint osteoarthritis (FJOA), and ligamentum flavum thickening (LFT) in the LS. A total of 279 patients aged 40–70 years who underwent lumbar MRI were retrospectively analyzed. Facet joint angles were measured on axial T2-weighted images at the L3–4, L4–5, and L5–S1 levels and FT was defined as an inter-facet angle difference of ≥7°. DDD was graded using the modified Pfirrmann scale, FJOA using the Weishaupt classification and LFT was measured directly on axial images. FT was detected at least at one level in 50.5% of patients. In the presence of tropism, modified Pfirrmann and Weishaupt scores were significantly higher at the L4–5 and L5–S1 levels, and LFT was significantly greater at the L3–4 and L4–5 levels (p < 0.05). Age and FJOA had significant effects on DDD, whereas the independent impact of tropism was significant only at certain levels. MANOVA showed that the overall multivariate effect of FT on degenerative parameters was not statistically significant. FT was more frequently observed at lower lumbar levels and was associated with certain degenerative changes. However, due to the multifactorial nature of spinal degenerative changes, FT alone was not found to be a decisive determinant.