CT Diagnosis and clinical significance of lumbar spine facet joint syndrome

Objective To research the clinical value of CT in the diagnosis of facet joint syndrome. Methods The clinical representations and CT manifestations of 120 cases with degenerative lumbar facet joints were retrospectively analyzed.Results Main CT representations:Osteophyte formation,changes in the interspace and capsule of the joints with the incidental signs such as intervertebral disc bulge or protrusion, intervertebral foramen,vertebral canal,or lateral recess narrow.ligamentum flavum thickening or calcification dislocation and subluxation can also be viewed.Conclusion Computed tomography can provide a direct and enough evidence for the diagnosis of facet joint syndrome.It is the first choice for examining the syndrome.