Lumbar Facet Tropism: A Comprehensive Review.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2017
Publication Title
World Neurosurg
Keywords
Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Lumbar Vertebrae; Lumbosacral Region; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Spondylolisthesis; Tropism; Zygapophyseal Joint
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Scattered reports exist in the medical literature regarding facet tropism. However, this finding has had mixed conclusions regarding its origin and impact on the normal spine.
METHODS: We performed a literature review of the anatomy, embryology, biomechanics, and pathology related to lumbar facet tropism.
RESULTS: Facet tropism is most commonly found at L4-L5 vertebral segments and there is some evidence that this condition may lead to facet degenerative spondylolisthesis, intervertebral disc disease, and other degenerative conditions.
CONCLUSION: Long-term analyses of patients are necessary to elucidate relationships between associated findings and facet tropism. In addition, a universally agreed definition that is more precise should be developed for future investigative studies.
Clinical Institute
Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)
Department
Neurosciences
Recommended Citation
Alonso, Fernando; Kirkpatrick, Christina M; Jeong, William; Fisahn, Christian; Usman, Sameera; Rustagi, Tarush; Loukas, Marios; Chapman, Jens R; Oskouian, Rod J; and Tubbs, R Shane, "Lumbar Facet Tropism: A Comprehensive Review." (2017). Articles, Abstracts, and Reports. 1611.
https://digitalcommons.providence.org/publications/1611
