椎间盘退变和关节突关节骨性关节炎对腰椎稳定性的影响

目的 探讨腰椎退变过程中，腰椎间盘退变、关节突关节骨性关节炎与腰椎稳定性之间的关系。方法 对78名腰椎退变患者进行腰椎MRI和动力位X线摄影。腰椎不稳分为椎间角度运动不稳、旋转不稳和椎间位移不稳，其中椎间位移不稳细分为：前向不稳、后向不稳和前后向不稳。腰椎间盘退变依据矢状位T2加权像分为5级；关节突关节骨性关节炎依据水平位T1加权像分为4级。对资料进行统计分析。结果 腰椎椎间角度运动不稳和前后向椎间位移不稳与关节突关节骨性关节炎存在显著负相关，前向椎间位移不稳与腰椎关节突关节骨性关节炎和椎间盘退变呈显著正相关，腰椎矢状面旋转不稳与腰椎关节突关节骨性关节炎无显著相关。结论 腰椎间盘退变和腰椎关节突关节骨性关节炎可影响腰椎运动节段的稳定性。     

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     

The relationship between disc degeneration, facet joint osteoarthritis, and stability of the degenerative lumbar spine

Degenerative processes in the disc and facet joints affect the stability of the motion segment. The exact relations among disc degeneration, facet joint osteoarthritis, and the kinematics of the motion segment are not well defined in the literature. Magnetic resonance imaging and functional radiography of the lumbar spine were analyzed to examine the relations among segmental instability, facet joint osteoarthritis, and disc degeneration in patients with degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine. Seventy consecutive patients (mean age, 46 years) had both magnetic resonance imaging and flexion and extension radiographs of the lumbar spine. The lumbar instability was classified into abnormal tilting on flexion, rotatory instability in the sagittal plane, and translatory instability. Translatory instability was subdivided into anterior, posterior, and anteroposterior translatory instability. Disc degeneration as seen on T2-weighted sagittal images was classified into five grades. Facet joint osteoarthritis as seen on axial T1-weighted images was divided into four grades. This study revealed that the kinematics of the lumbar motion segment are affected by disc degeneration and facet joint osteoarthritis. Abnormal tilting movement on flexion and anteroposterior translatory instability both had negative associations with facet joint osteoarthritis. However, anterior translatory instability was positively associated with disc degeneration and facet joint osteoarthritis. Rotatory instability in the sagittal plane and posterior translatory instability were not associated with disc degeneration and facet joint osteoarthritis.     

The relationship between disc degeneration and flexibility of the lumbar spine.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: A relationship between degenerative changes of the intervertebral disc and biomechanical functions of the lumbar spine has been suggested. However, the exact relationship between the grade of disc degeneration and the flexibility of the motion segment is not known. PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between degenerative grades of the intervertebral disc and three-dimensional (3-D) biomechanical characteristics of the motion segment under multidirectional loading conditions. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A biomechanical and imaging study of human cadaveric spinal motion segments. METHODS: One hundred fourteen lumbar motion segments from T12-L1 to L5-S1 taken from 47 fresh cadaver spines (average age at death, 68 years; range, 39 to 87 years) were used in this study. The severity of degeneration (grades I to V according to Thomson's system) was determined using magnetic resonance (MR) images and cryomicrotome sections. Pure unconstrained moments with dead weights were applied to the motion segments in six load steps. The directions of loading included flexion, extension, right and left axial rotation, and right and left lateral bending. RESULTS: When the MR images were graded, 2 segments had grade I disc degeneration; 45, grade II; 20, grade III; 26, grade IV; and 21, grade V. When the cryomicrotome sections were graded, 14 segments had grade I disc degeneration; 31, grade II; 22, grade III; 26, grade IV; and 21, grade V. Segments from the upper lumbar levels (T12-L1 to L3-4) tended to have greater rotational movement in flexion, extension, and axial rotation with disc degeneration up to grade IV, whereas the motion decreased when the disc degenerated to grade V. In the lower lumbar spine at L4-5 and L5-S1, motion in axial rotation and lateral bending was increased in grade III. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that kinematic properties of the lumbar spine are related to disc degeneration. Greater motion generally was found with disc degeneration, particularly in grades III and IV, in which radial tears of the annulus fibrosus are found. Disc space collapse and osteophyte formation as found in grade V resulted in stabilization of the motion segments.     

Translaminar facet joint screws to enhance segmental fusion of the lumbar spine

Summary From 1984 to 1988, 70 consecutive lumbar and lumbosacral spine fusions enhanced with translaminar facet joint screws were performed for segmental degenerative disease. Twenty patients had partial decompression of central stenosis, 15 concomitant discectomy, and 19 lateral nerve root decompression. The mean time to fusion was 4.5 months (range 2–7 months). At follow-up (average 45 months; range 24–74 months) 98.5% were judged to have solid fusion. Satisfactory results were observed in 84% of cases, 91% without previous surgery and 75% after previous discectomy. Supplementation of posterolateral fusion by translaminar facet screws significantly improved time to fusion, fusion rate, and clinical outcomes with no significant increased complications.     

Orientation and osteoarthritis of the lumbar facet joint

Several studies have shown an association between sagittal orientation of the facet joint and degenerative spondylolisthesis. There is currently no information available on the association between orientation of the facet joint and osteoarthritis. This study examined the association between orientation and osteoarthritis of the lumbar facet joints. One hundred eleven consecutive patients underwent plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. These patients were divided into two groups: No Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Group (98 patients) and Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Group (13 patients). In the No Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Group, segments with higher grades of osteoarthritis showed more sagittal orientation of the facetjoints at the L3-L4 and L4-L5 levels. The facet joint was oriented significantly more sagittally in the Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Group than in the No Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Group at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels. The severity of facet joint osteoarthritis was significantly higher in the Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Group than in the No Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Group at the L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 levels. A significant association was found between sagittal orientation and osteoarthritis of the lumbar facet joints, even in patients without degenerative spondylolisthesis. Facet joint osteoarthritis, rather than spondylolisthesis, is the pathoanatomic feature that is associated with sagittal orientation of the facet joints in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis.     

The role of facet joint tropism and facet angle in disc degeneration

In this study, the relationship between facet geometry (joint angle and tropism) and disc degeneration was analyzed. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic scans of 46 subjects less than 50 years of age were evaluated. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine disc degeneration, and computed tomography was used to measure facet joint angles and determine tropism. Subjects with tropism had a significantly higher prevalence of disc degeneration at all three lumbar levels examined (L3-4, L4-5, L5-S1). The average facet angles increased from L3-4 to L4-5 and further to the L5-S1 level. There was no statistically significant relationship between the magnitude of the angle and the presence of disc degeneration at any of the three levels. It was concluded that the risk of disc degeneration is increased in the presence of facet joint tropism.     

Chronology of disc degeneration and facet joint arthritis in lumbar spine is variable - A CT based cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe notion that disc degeneration (DD) always precedes facet joint arthritis (FJA) has held sway for many decades. However, it is not always the case. We hypothesized that DD is not always the first offender studied the prevalence of isolated DD and isolated FJA in the lumbar spine.MethodsInter-vertebral discs and bilateral facet joints of lumbar spines of 135 participants were graded. The participants were divided into one of the four categories. ‘No degeneration,’ ‘Isolated disc degeneration without facet joint arthritis,’ ‘Combined disc degeneration and facet joint arthritis,’ and ‘Isolated facet joint arthritis without disc degeneration.’ Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to evaluate the predictive factors for spinal degeneration using FJA as a dependent variable while age, sex, BMI, smoking history, and DD as predictor variables.ResultsThe majority of participants had isolated FJA 64 (47.4%). Combined DD and FJA were noted in 32 (23.7%), isolated DD in 8 (5.9%), while 31(23%) had no degeneration. Only age was found to be significantly contributing to the prediction model in multivariate analysis.ConclusionOur study shows that spinal degeneration may begin either in the disc or in the facet joints depending upon the aetiological factors. It is a vicious circle that may be entered at any point, FJA or DD.     

The effect of disc degeneration on anterior shear translation in the lumbar spine

Many pathologies involving disc degeneration are treated with surgery and spinal implants. It is important to understand how the spine behaves mechanically as a function of disc degeneration. Shear loading is especially relevant in the natural and surgically stabilized lumbar spine. The objective of our study was to determine the effect of disc degeneration on anterior translation of the lumbar spine under shear loading. We tested 30 human cadaveric functional spinal units (L3–4 and L4–5) in anterior shear loading. First, the specimens were imaged in a 1.5 T magnetic resonance scanner. The discs were graded according to the Pfirrmann classification. The specimens were then loaded up to 250 N in anterior shear with an axial compression force of 300 N. Motion of the vertebrae was captured with an optoelectronic camera system. Inter‐ and intra‐observer reliability for disc grading was determined (Cohen's and Fleiss' Kappa), and a non‐parametric test was performed on the translation data to characterize the effect of disc degeneration on this parameter. We found fair to moderate agreement between and within observers for the disc grading. We found no significant effect of disc degeneration on anterior shear translation (Kruskal‐Wallis ANOVA). Our results indicate that disc degeneration, as classified with the Pfirrmann scale, does not predict lumbar spinal motion in shear. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:450–457, 2015.     

腰椎小关节骨性关节炎的研究进展

腰痛不但影响患者的生活质量,还给社会和家庭带来沉重的经济负担。近年,腰痛患病率在不断上升,但对其病因、发病机制等问题仍未达成完全共识。在其复杂多样的病因中,腰椎小关节源性腰痛是一个非常重要的角色。目前关于腰椎小关节骨性关节炎与腰痛的相关性研究,主要集中在腰椎小关节骨性关节炎的流行病学、病理特征、生物力学改变及动物模型等方面,尤其对于动物模型的关注具有很大的意义。腰椎小关节骨性关节炎引起腰痛的发病机制仍存在许多争议,需要更深入的探求和思考。     

邻近节段关节突关节退变对腰椎融合固定术后邻近节段疾病的影响

目的:探究邻近节段关节突关节退变对腰椎融合固定术后邻近节段疾病的影响。方法:对2016年6月至2019年6月接受L₅S₁腰椎后路椎间融合固定术(posterior lumbar interbody fusion,PLIF)的138例患者进行回顾性分析。根据术前L_4,5关节突关节是否有退变(采用Weishaupt分级标准)分为退变组68例,无退变组70例。收集两组患者年龄、性别、身体质量指数、随访时间、术前L_4,5椎间盘退变情况(采用Pfirrmann分级)等数据,采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)、Oswestry功能指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)评估术后1、3个月的临床疗效,分析术后邻近节段疾病(adjacent segment disease,ASD)发生情况以及发生ASD时间。结果:两组患者在年龄、性别、身体质量指数、随访时间、术前L_4,5椎间盘退变情况方面比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.0...     

Review of existing grading systems for cervical or lumbar disc and facet joint degeneration

The aim of this literature review was to present and to evaluate all grading systems for cervical and lumbar disc and facet joint degeneration, which are accessible from the MEDLINE database. A MEDLINE search was conducted to select all articles presenting own grading systems for cervical or lumbar disc or facet joint degeneration. To give an overview, these grading systems were listed systematically depending on the spinal region they refer to and the methodology used for grading. All systems were checked for reliability tests and those recommended for use having an interobserver Kappa or Intraclass Correlation Coefficient >0.60 if disc degeneration was graded and >0.40 if facet joint degeneration was graded. MEDLINE search revealed 42 different grading systems. Thirty of these were used to grade lumbar spine degeneration, ten were used to grade cervical spine degeneration and two were used to grade both. Thus, the grading systems for the lumbar spine represented the vast majority of all 42 grading systems. Interobserver reliability tests were found for 12 grading systems. Based on their Kappa or Intraclass Correlation Coefficients nine of these could be recommended for use and three could not. All other systems could neither be recommended nor not be recommended since reliability tests were missing. These systems should therefore first be tested before use. The design of the grading systems varied considerably. Five grading systems were beginning with the lowest degree of degeneration, 37, however, with the normal, not degenerated state. A 5-grade scale was used in six systems, a 4-grade scale in 24, a 3-grade scale in eight and a 2-grade scale in three systems. In 15 cases the normal, not degenerated state was assigned to grade 0, in another 15 cases, however, this state was assigned to grade 1. This wide variety in the design of the grading systems makes comparisons difficult and may easily lead to confusion. We would therefore recommend to define certain standards. Our suggestion would be to use a scale of three to five grades, to begin the scale with the not degenerated state and to assign this state to grade 0.An erratum to this article can be found at     

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.     

腰椎关节突关节骨性关节炎的病因学

腰椎关节突关节骨性关节炎(lumbarfacetjointosteoarthritis,LFOA或lumbarzygapophysealjointos teoarthritis ,LZOA)是常见的腰椎退行性疾病,其基本病理特点为关节突关节软骨损害、关节边缘和软骨下骨反应性增生。Goldthwait[1] 最先认为部分下腰痛可能由关节突关节病变引起。Ghormley[2 ] 则将源于关节突关节的腰腿痛命名为“小关节综合征”。Badglay[3] 在对关节突关节进行病理解剖研究后证实关节突关节存在骨性关节炎。系统的研究始于196 4年,Lewin[4 ] 对腰椎关节突关节骨性关节炎(LZOA)的流行病学、病因学和组织形态学进行了深…     

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。     

Cell transplantation in lumbar spine disc degeneration disease

Low back pain is an extremely common symptom, affecting nearly three-quarters of the population sometime in their life. Given that disc herniation is thought to be an extension of progressive disc degeneration that attends the normal aging process, seeking an effective therapy that staves off disc degeneration has been considered a logical attempt to reduce back pain. The most apparent cellular and biochemical changes attributable to degeneration include a decrease in cell density in the disc that is accompanied by a reduction in synthesis of cartilage-specific extracellular matrix components. With this in mind, one therapeutic strategy would be to replace, regenerate, or augment the intervertebral disc cell population, with a goal of correcting matrix insufficiencies and restoring normal segment biomechanics. Biological restoration through the use of autologous disc chondrocyte transplantation offers a potential to achieve functional integration of disc metabolism and mechanics. We designed an animal study using the dog as our model to investigate this hypothesis by transplantation of autologous disc-derived chondrocytes into degenerated intervertebral discs. As a result we demonstrated that disc cells remained viable after transplantation; transplanted disc cells produced an extracellular matrix that contained components similar to normal intervertebral disc tissue; a statistically significant correlation between transplanting cells and retention of disc height could displayed. Following these results the Euro Disc Randomized Trial was initiated to embrace a representative patient group with persistent symptoms that had not responded to conservative treatment where an indication for surgical treatment was given. In the interim analyses we evaluated that patients who received autologous disc cell transplantation had greater pain reduction at 2 years compared with patients who did not receive cells following their discectomy surgery and discs in patients that received cells demonstrated a significant difference as a group in the fluid content of their treated disc when compared to control. Autologous disc-derived cell transplantation is technically feasible and biologically relevant to repairing disc damage and retarding disc degeneration. Adipose tissue provides an alternative source of regenerative cells with little donor site morbidity. These regenerative cells are able to differentiate into a nucleus pulposus-like phenotype when exposed to environmental factors similar to disc, and offer the inherent advantage of availability without the need for transporting, culturing, and expanding the cells. In an effort to develop a clinical option for cell placement and assess the response of the cells to the post-surgical milieu, adipose-derived cells were collected, concentrated, and transplanted under fluoroscopic guidance directly into a surgically damaged disc using our dog model. This study provides evidence that cells harvested from adipose tissue might offer a reliable source of regenerative potential capable of bio-restitution.

     

In vivo facet joint loading of the canine lumbar spine.

This study describes a technique to measure in vivo loads and the resultant load-contact locations in the facet joint of the canine lumbar spine. The technique is a modification of a previously described in vitro method that used calibrated surface strains of the lateral aspect of the right L3 cranial articular process. In the present study, strains were measured during various in vivo static and dynamic activities 3 days after strain gage implantation. The in vivo recording technique and its errors, which depend on the location of the applied facet loads, is described. The results of applying the technique to five dogs gave the following results. Relative resultant contact load locations on the facet tended to be in the central and caudal portion of the facet in extension activities, central and cranial in standing, and cranial and ventral in flexion or right-turning activities. Right-turning contact locations were ventral and cranial to left-turning locations. Resultant load locations at peak loading during walking were in the central region of the facet, whereas resultant load locations at minimum loading during walking were relatively craniad. This resultant load-contact location during a walk gait cycle typically migrated in an arc with a displacement of 4 mm from minimum to maximum loading. Static tests resulted in a range of facet loads of 0 N in flexion and lying to 185 N for two-legged standing erect, and stand resulted in facet loads of 26 +/- 15 N (mean +/- standard deviation [SD]). Dynamic tests resulted in peak facet loads ranging from 55 N while walking erect to 170 N for climbing up stairs. Maximum walk facet loads were 107 +/- 27 N. The technique is applicable to in vivo studies of a canine facet joint osteoarthritis model and may be useful for establishing an understanding of the biomechanics of low-back pain.