The relationship between facet joint osteoarthritis and disc degeneration of the lumbar spine: an MRI study

The role of MRI in assessing facet joint osteoarthritis is unclear. By developing a grading system for severity of facet joint osteoarthritis on MRI, the relationship between disc degeneration and facet joint osteoarthritis was determined. The accuracy of MRI in assessing facet joint osteoarthritis against CT was 94%. Under 40 years of age, the degree of disc degeneration varied among individuals. Over the age of 60, most of the discs were markedly degenerated. Under 40 years of age osteoarthritic changes in facet joints were minimal. Over the age of 60, variable degrees of facet joint osteoarthritis were observed but some facets did not show osteoarthritis. No facet joint osteoarthritis was found in the absence of disc degeneration and most facet joint osteoarthritis appeared at the intervertebral levels with advanced disc degeneration. Disc degeneration is more closely associated with aging than with facet joint osteoarthritis. The present study supports the hypothesis that “disc degeneration precedes facet joint osteoarthritis”, and also supports the concept that it may take 20 or more years to develop facet joint osteoarthritis following the onset of disc degeneration. Received: 1 March 1999 Revised: 27 May 1999 Accepted: 4 June 1999     

腰椎关节突关节骨性关节炎的CT分级及其临床意义

目的:探讨腰椎关节突关节骨性关节炎的CT分级及其临床意义。方法:回顾性分析2008年1月～2010年12月在我院就诊的100例腰痛或腰痛伴下肢麻木疼痛患者的腰椎CT。男43例,女57例;年龄23～81岁,平均52.5岁。采用CT骨窗轴位像关节突关节的关节间隙宽度、骨赘形成及骨质变化情况作为分级依据征象,将每个征象按照其严重程度分为4个等级,相应赋予0～3分,按3个征象总分分为4级:0级,0分;Ⅰ级,1～3分;Ⅱ级,4～6分;Ⅲ级,7～9分。由初、中、高级职称3位医师在PACS系统对100例患者从L1/2至L5/S1节段的双侧关节突关节分别进行2次独立分级,Kappa分析评价3位医师分级结果的一致性。同时对患者腰痛VAS评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)和年龄与分级结果进行Spearman相关分析。结果:3位医师分别2次对100例患者的1000个腰椎关节突关节进行分级,0级200～211个(20.0%～21.1%),Ⅰ级384～403个(38.4%～40.3%),Ⅱ级301～310个(30.1%～31.0%),Ⅲ级85～106个(8.5%～10.6%)。同一医师前后分级一致的关节突关节数为84.1%～88.4%,Kappa值为0.773～0.833;不同级别医师分级一致的关节突关节数为82.9%～87.9%,Kappa值为0.756～0.827。患者VAS评分和ODI与分级结果的相关系数分别为0.186、0.192,无显著相关性(P>0.05);年龄与分级结果的相关系数为0.558,呈显著性正相关(P<0.05)。结论:腰椎关节突关节骨性关节炎CT分级具有良好的一致性,对关节突关节退变程度的评估和研究有指导意义;腰椎关节突关节骨性关节炎CT分级与年龄呈正性相关,而与腰痛程度及腰椎ODI无显著相关性。     

腰椎小关节不对称与椎间盘变性

对54例年龄大部分在50岁以下、经保守治疗效果不明显的慢性腰痛患者，为进一步查明病因而作了CT扫描及MRI成像检查。应用CT扫描测量小关节角度并决定两侧小关节的对称性。用MRIT2加权像观察L3－4、L4-5和L5－S1水平的椎间盘有无变性。结果显示，由L3－4～L5－S1小关节角度逐渐增加。同一水平一侧小关节增大，即两侧小关节不对称与该节段的椎间盘变性有权明显的相关性。腰椎小关节不对称者，该节段椎间盘变性的发生率明显增加。作者认为，小关节不对称增加了椎间盘退变的危险性，可能是椎间盘早期发生退变的重要因素。     

The biomechanical influence of the facet joint orientation and the facet tropism in the lumbar spine

Background contextFacet joint orientation and facet tropism (FT) are presented as the potential anatomical predisposing factors for lumbar degenerative changes that may lead in turn to early degeneration and herniation of the corresponding disc or degenerative spondylolisthesis. However, no biomechanical study of this concept has been reported.PurposeTo investigate the biomechanical influence of the facet orientation and FT on stress on the corresponding segment.Study designFinite element analysis.MethodsThree models, F50, F55, and F60 were simulated with different facet joint orientations (50°, 55°, and 60° relative to coronal plane) at both L2–L3 facet joints. A FT model was also simulated to represent a 50° facet joint angle at the right side and a 60° facet joint angle at the left side in the L2–L3 segment. In each model, the intradiscal pressures were investigated under four pure moments and anterior shear force. Facet contact forces at the L2–L3 segment were also analyzed under extension and torsion moments and anterior shear force. This study was supported by 5000 CHF grant of 2011 AO Spine Research Korea fund. The authors of this study have no topic-specific potential conflicts of interest related to this study.ResultsThe F50, F55, and F60 models did not differ in the intradiscal pressures generated under four pure moments: but under anterior shear force, the F60 and FT models showed increases of intradiscal pressure. The F50 model under extension and the F60 model under torsion each generated an increase in facet contact force. In all conditions tested, the FT model yielded the greatest increase of intradiscal pressure and facet contact force of all the models.ConclusionsThe facet orientation per se did not increase disc stress or facet joint stress prominently at the corresponding level under four pure moments, but FT could make the corresponding segment more vulnerable to external moments or anterior shear force.     

退变性腰椎滑脱与关节突关节的方向性

目的：探讨腰椎关节突关节的方向性在退性变腰椎滑脱发生中的病因学意义。方法：34例L4／5退变性腰椎滑脱患者及30名正常对照者的CT扫描片，侧位X线片上关节突关节的方向性及腰椎滑脱程度进行分析。结果：退变性腰椎滑脱患者的关节突关节方向与对照组比较更偏向吴矢状位（P＜0．01），关节突关节不对称程度也更为明显（P＜0．05），小关节椎弓根角更倾向于水平位（P＜0．01），关节突关节角，不对称程度及小关节椎弓根角与腰椎滑脱程度无显著相关性（P＞0．05）。结论：腰椎关节突关节的方向性在退变性腰椎滑脱的发生中可能有一定的病因学意义。     

A longitudinal study of disc height narrowing and facet joint osteoarthritis at the thoracic and lumbar spine,evaluated by computed tomography: the Framingham Study

Background Context

Prevalence and progression of disc height narrowing (DHN) and facet joint osteoarthritis (FJOA) in the thoracic and lumbar regions in non-clinical populations are not well established.

微创经椎间孔腰椎椎体间融合术中上位关节突关节侵扰的危险因素分析

【摘要】 目的：研究微创经椎间孔腰椎椎体间融合术（minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion,MIS-TLIF）中经皮椎弓根螺钉对上位关节突关节侵扰的发生情况，分析其相关危险因素。方法：回顾性分析我院2012~2018年行MIS-TLIF治疗的腰椎退行性疾病患者91例，其中男性34例，女性57例，年龄51.1±11.8岁（23~73岁），所有均采用经皮置钉的方式置入椎弓根螺钉，术后3个月均行腰椎CT三维重建，并在轴位、矢状位、冠状位上评价关节突关节侵扰程度并分级： 0级，无侵扰，螺钉不在关节突关节上，且未进入关节突关节面；1级，轻度侵扰，螺钉位于上关节突关节上，但未进入关节突关节；2级，中度侵扰，螺钉经过关节突关节面≤1mm；3级，重度侵扰，螺钉经过关节突关节面。收集患者一般情况[年龄、性别、体质指数（body mass index，BMI）、术前诊断、手术节段、关节突关节退变程度]，在术前、术后腰椎CT及正侧位X线片上测量：解剖相关因素（关节突关节轴径、矢状径、冠状径、关节突关节角、腰椎前凸角、腰椎前凸指数、椎板深度）、置钉相关因素（螺钉内倾角、螺钉尾倾角、螺帽-上关节突间距、近端连接棒露出距离、连接棒预弯），并分析潜在侵扰危险因素。结果：MIS-TLIF经皮置钉造成关节突关节侵扰的椎弓根螺钉总计62枚，轻度侵扰螺钉35枚，中、重度程度侵扰螺钉27枚。患者一般情况分析显示，BMI≥30kg/m2、L5为上位置钉节段作为关节突关节侵扰的独立危险因素（P＞0.05）；年龄、性别、术前诊断、关节突关节退变程度与侵扰无关（P＞0.05）。解剖因素分析显示，关节突关节轴径、矢状径、冠状径均≥12mm或关节突关节角≥40°时，侵扰率显著升高（P＜0.05）；关节突关节侵扰组与非侵扰组在腰椎前凸角、腰椎前凸指数及椎板深度上差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。置钉相关因素分析显示，侵扰组较非侵扰组存在较小的螺钉内倾角、螺帽-上关节突间距（P＜0.05），而在螺钉尾倾角、近端连接棒露出距离、连接棒预弯上组间差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。结论：对于BMI≥30kg/m2和L5为上位置钉节段的患者，应充分考虑经皮置钉造成关节突关节侵扰的高风险性，且关节突关节肥大（轴径、矢状径、冠状径均≥12mm时）、冠状走行（关节突关节角≥40°）时更易出现上位节段侵扰。     

脊柱－骨盆矢状位参数及关节突关节角度对退变性腰椎滑脱的影响

目的：探讨脊柱-骨盆矢状位参数及关节突关节角度对退变性腰椎滑脱的影响及相关性研究。方法：以2016年7月至2019年9月确诊的120例L₄-L₅单节段退变性滑脱患者为观察对象（滑脱组）,以性别和年龄相匹配的120例L₄-L₅节段退变性椎管狭窄患者为对照（对照组）。通过影像学资料测量如下参数：骨盆入射角（pelvic incidence,PI）,骨盆倾斜角（pelvic tilt,PT）,骶骨倾斜角（sacral slope,SS）,腰椎前凸（lumbar lordosis,LL）,胸椎后凸（thoracic kyphosis,TK）,矢状面平衡（sagittal vertical axis,SVA）,L₄-L₅头侧关节突关节角,尾侧关节突关节角及小关节不对称性。比较两组患者参数的差异并对有意义参数行Logistic回归分析。对退变性腰椎滑脱患者关节突关节方向与脊柱-骨盆参数进行相关性分析。结果：两组患者在PI、PT、LL、SVA、头侧关节突关节角、尾侧关节突关节角差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;Logistic回归分析发现PI、PT及头侧关节突关节角是腰椎滑脱程度的危险因素（P<0.05）。滑脱组头侧关节突关节矢状化与PI、PT呈现显著相关（P<0.05）。结论：高PI、PT及头侧关节突关节矢状化是腰椎滑脱的危险因素,并且关节突关节矢状化程度和大PI、PT密切相关。     

Types of synovial fold in the cervical facet joint

Few detailed studies of synovial folds of cervical facet joints exist at the moment. This study was performed to provide anatomical data for each synovial fold in the cervical facet joints, using 20 cervical spines from C2 to C7 for dissection. Anatomic evaluation of the synovial folds included the gross morphology, in three dimensions, and the histology. Also, degenerative changes of the lower facet surface on which synovial folds occurred were evaluated. On the basis of gross morphology and histological composition, three types of synovial folds were identified. Type-1 synovial folds, shaped like a crescent, consisted principally of adipose tissue. Type-2 synovial folds had an apical region made up of dense fibrous tissue, with the base and middle region consisting of adipose tissue. In type-2 folds, the size and shape varied, including some elliptic-shaped synovial folds projecting well into the joint cavity. Type-3 synovial folds were thin with ragged free borders, and were formed exclusively of fibrous tissue. This study shows the variable appearance of synovial folds. Speculation was raised that the articular facet impingement of a large synovial fold and the subluxation of a smaller structure may play a possible role in the pathology of some disorders of the neck. Received: September 30, 1999 / Accepted: March 13, 2000     

Detailed pathological changes of human lumbar facet joints L1–L5 in elderly individuals

Facet joints play an important role in intervertebral load transmission and are crucial for rotational kinematics. Clinically, the role of facet joints as a possible source of low back pain is seen as controversial and at present is not sufficiently investigated. In this study, human lumbar facet (zygapopyhysial) joints from donors with advanced age were analyzed macroscopically, for degenerative changes. The aim was to determine the extent and morphology of degenerative changes in these joints. Lumbar facet joints (L1–L5) of 32 donors were studied (mean age 80.1±11.2 years). Joint capsules were carefully removed and joint surfaces (5 zones) examined using magnifying glasses and probes. In the result, the majority of facet joints showed cartilage defects of varying extent. Defects were located mostly at the margins of the articular surface, the central zone being relatively well preserved. Defect localization was different between superior (most cartilage defects in superior zone) and inferior (most defects inferiorly) facets. Further, defects were more severe caudal (level of L5) and in older persons. Osteophytes were present in up to 30%, located mostly at the latero-dorsal enthesis of the joint capsule on the superior facet. In conclusion, most margins of the articular facets are subject to degenerative changes in the lumbar spine of elderly persons, the topographical pattern being different in superior and inferior facets. This observation can be explained by the segmental motion patterns during extension/flexion movements of the facets. Sometimes, due to the marginal extension, it is obvious that not all changes can be assessed by CT or MRI.     

关节突关节角度与退行性腰椎滑脱的关系

目的:探讨关节突关节角度与退行性腰椎滑脱(DLS)的关系。方法:选取2008年7月～2010年6月我院收治的60例单纯退行性L4/5节段前滑脱患者为DLS组,年龄55.6±8.8岁,排除腰椎骨折及峡部不连者;对照组为57例同期无滑脱及腰腿痛的其他疾病患者,年龄53.7±9.4岁。两组均行腰椎CT检查,在CT定位像上测量DLS组患者L4/5节段滑移距离及下位椎体矢状径,计算腰椎滑脱程度(Taillard指数);在CT图像上测量两组L3/4、L4/5及L5/S1节段关节突关节角并进行比较分析;骨窗条件下观察DLS组L4/5关节突关节退变程度,按Fujiwara标准进行分级,并按不同退变等级分3组比较滑脱程度;对DLS组L4/5的关节突关节角与滑脱程度进行直线相关性分析。结果:DLS组L4/5均为Ⅰ度滑脱,Taillard指数为0.1679±0.0365。DLS组L4/5关节突关节角为33.1°±12.2°,小于对照组的49.5°±11.4°,差异有显著性(P<0.001);DLS组与对照组L3/4关节突关节角分别为36.1°±9.1°与38.6°±8.0°,无显著性差异(P>0.05);DLS组与对照组L5/S1关节突关节角分别为48.5°±13.0°与51.9°±13.0°,无显著性差异(P>0.05)。DLS组L4/5滑脱Taillard指数与其关节突关节角度无相关性(r=0.065,P>0.05)。DLS组患者L4/5关节突关节退变程度为Ⅱ度4例,Ⅲ度23例,Ⅳ度33例,其滑脱Taillard指数分别为0.1837±0.0418、0.1723±0.0370和0.1589±0.0343,各组间滑脱程度差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论:DLS患者滑脱节段的关节突关节角明显小于非滑脱患者的相应节段,但关节突关节角度与DLS的关系尚不明确。     

自制关节冲洗装置配合注射玻璃酸钠治疗膝关节骨关节炎

膝骨关节炎 (Osteoarthritisofknee ,简称膝OA)是骨科的常见病、多发病。近年来采用补充外源性透明质酸钠 (SH)治疗该病取得较好的结果。但临床发现对重度骨关节炎效果不理想 ,而且发现部分患者有过敏反应出现。我院采用自制关节冲洗装置配合注射玻璃酸钠治疗膝关节炎不仅取得较满意疗效 ,而且无过敏反应发生 ,现将结果报告如下。1　临床资料1 1　一般资料　两组病例均为我院门诊住院诊治病人共 4 2例 ,将病例随机分成两组 ,A组治疗组 ,共2 2例 ,男 14例 ,女 8例 ,其中双膝 2例 ,1例关节内有游离体 ,4例关节积液 ,3例关节变形 ;出现症状…     

腰椎小关节囊切除治疗慢性腰痛的前瞻性研究

目的: 研究腰椎小关节在退变性腰椎疾患中的病理演变和致病机理; 观察小关节囊切除对腰痛的影响。方法: 将516例退变性腰椎疾病手术患者随机分为两组, 每组258例, 分别采取不同方式处理腰椎小关节突。分别于术后观察腰椎活动度, 随访腰痛改善情况。结果: 两组腰椎活动度无显著差异(P>0 .05)。实验组腰痛完全消失172例, 明显缓解64例, 无变化16例, 术后腰痛加重6例。对照组腰痛完全消失114例, 明显缓解108例, 无变化28例, 加重8例。两者有显著差异(P<0. 05)。结论: 腰痛与腰椎小关节病变有明显关系, 术中切除小关节囊有利于减轻或缓解术后腰痛。     

Effects of anterior lumbar spinal fusion on the distribution of nerve endings and mechanoreceptors in the rabbit facet joint: quantitative histological analysis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the density and distribution of neural endings in rabbit lumbar facet joints after anterior spinal fusion and to evaluate the effects of intervertebral immobilization. An extraperitoneal approach was applied, and L5/6 was fixed with a plate and screws. Bilateral L4/5, L5/6, and L6/7 facet joint capsules were harvested from the rabbits 4, 8, and 16 weeks postoperatively. Capsular tissues were processed using a modified gold chloride staining method, and the specimens were sliced into 15-m sections. All sections were analyzed microscopically, and neural ending numbers per unit volume were calculated. Three types of neural ending were identified in each specimen: Pacinian corpuscles, Ruffini corpuscles, and free nerve endings. In the L5/6 fusion segment there was a significant decrease in the number of Pacinian corpuscles at 4 weeks and of Ruffini corpuscles at 4, 8, and 16 weeks after the fusion compared with the control; and in the L4/5 upper adjacent segment there was a significant increase in the number of free nerve endings. The number of Ruffini endings for the L6/7 lower adjacent segment was significantly lower more than 8 weeks after the fusion. These results suggest that immobilization of the intervertebral segment causes a reduction in the number of mechanoreceptors in the facet joint capsules because of the reduction in mechanical stimulation. Moreover, in the upper adjacent facet joint there may be neural sprouting caused by nociceptive stimulation.     

The short- and mid-term effect of dynamic interspinous distraction in the treatment of recurrent lumbar facet joint pain

Owing to failure to achieve positive long-term effects, the currently performed treatment methods for lumbar facet joint syndrome (LFJS) are still under debate. Interspinous distraction devices unload the facet joints. Thus, these devices might be an alternative surgical treatment method for LFJS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of an interspinous distraction device for the treatment of LFJS. Subjects had verified single level LFJS at level L4–5. They received percutaneous facet joint denervation (PFJD). If pain persisted, they were offered implantation of an interspinous device (Coflex) and/or repeat PFJD. Clinical and radiological outcome was determined before and after PFJD or surgery up to 2 years afterwards in all cases. Forty-one patients with LFJS at L4–5 underwent PFJD. Twenty patients with persisting pain underwent a subsequent surgery for implantation of an interspinous device. Five patients with recurrent pain at 6–12 months opted for an additional PFJD. Three obese patients (body weight >100 kg) had persistent pain at 3 months after surgery and received additionally dorsal semi-dynamic stabilization. The clinical outcome improved significantly in the surgically treated patients; however, it did not differ compared with patients receiving PFJD only after 24 months. Radiological evaluation revealed a restricted range of motion (ROM) of the operated and an elevated ROM of the adjacent segment. Surgical or device-related complications were not observed. In conclusions, the implantation of an interspinous Coflex device in case of recurrent facet joint pain succeeds to improve facet joint pain in clinical short-and mid-term settings. However, it does not exceed the outcome of denervated patients.     

青少年特发性脊柱侧凸结构性腰弯患者腰椎关节突关节角的变化及其意义

目的:观察青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(AIS)结构性腰弯患者腰椎关节突关节角角度与正常腰椎关节突关节角角度的差异,探讨AIS患者后期出现腰背痛和腰椎退行性疾病高发的可能原因.方法:结构性腰弯的AIS患者21例(AIS组),非脊柱畸形的青少年20例(对照组).AIS组中男3例,女18例,年龄12～17岁,平均14.4岁,腰弯Cobb角38°～115°,平均54.2°.对照组男8例,女12例,年龄10～19岁,平均为15.2岁.均采用螺旋CT连续扫描T12～S1.通过PACS Client软件测量所有受试者腰椎关节突关节角和结构性腰弯AIS患者腰椎RAsag角.将对照组左、右侧腰椎关节突关节角角度进行配对t检验:对AIS组患者凹侧、凸侧的腰椎关节突关节角角度进行配对t检验.并对凹侧与凸侧腰椎关节突关节角角度差和Cobb角、相应节段腰椎的RAsag角进行相关性分析.结果:对照组双侧腰椎关节突关节角角度在所有节段未见显著性差异(P>0.05).AIS组所有节段凹侧的腰椎关节突关节角角度明显大于凸侧(P<0.05);凹侧和凸侧的腰椎关节突关节角角度差与Cobb角、相应节段腰椎的RAsag角没有显著相关性(p>0.05).结论:结构性腰弯的AIS患者凹侧的腰椎关节突关节角度明显大于凸侧,这可能是该类患者后期凹侧腰椎关节突关节更易发生退行性病变的因素之一.