Analysis of CT for Common Appearance of Lumbar Facet diseases

Objective Objective To analysis the diagnostic appearance of CT scan in the evaluation of degenerative lumbosacral disease with facet joint participation.Methods A Series of 68 cases of lumbar facet diseases were examined with CT scan to analyze changes of CT and to record clinical situation.Results Abnormal facet joints were found in 68.Abnormalities demonstrated by CT included osteophyte formation,hypertrophy of articular processes,focal cartilage necrosis,articular cartilage thinning,vacuum joint phenomenon,calcification of the joint capsule and synovial cyst.Conclusion Lumbar facet disease is one of the important causes of low back pain and sciatica,and usually in company with lumbar disc herniation.It has been ignored because of the limitation of examination technique used before and overemphasis of disc herniation.Diagnostic value of CT in the study of lumbar facet joint disease offers a reliable evaluation with high sensitivity and specificity,in order to make appropriate therapeutic decisions.