The relationship of facet tropism to lumbar disc herniation.

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 herniation. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study. MATERIAL AND METHOD MRI of 34 patients with lumbar disc herniation was evaluated. Two orthopedic surgeons measured facet joint angle and determined the degenerative status of L3-4, L4-5, and L5-SI. 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 herniation.