The Relationship of Facet Tropism to Lumbar Disc Herniation
Sombat Kunakornsawat MD*, Kitipod Ngamlamaidt MD**, Rachata Tungsiripat MD, MPH*, Thavat Prasartritha MD*
Affiliation : * Center of Excellence in Orthopedics, Lerdsin Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand ** Somdejprapinklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
Summary of Background Data: The association between the facet tropism and the development of lumbar disc
herniation has been studied; however the results remain controversial.
Objective : To determine the association between the facet tropism and the development of lumbar disc hernia-
tion.
Study
Design : A cross-sectional study.
Materials and Methods : MRI of 34 patients with lumbar disc herniation was evaluated. Two orthopedic sur-
geons measured facet joint angle and determined the degenerative status of L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1. Facet
tropism was defined as the difference between the angle of the right and left facet more than 5 degrees.
Results : The average difference of facet joint angle of HNP group was higher than normal group in the same
level. There was no statistically significant correlation between the facet tropism and lumbar disc herniation.
Conclusion : These results do not indicate any relationship between the facet tropism and lumbar disc hernia-
tion.
Keywords : Facet tropism, Lumbar disc herniation
