Facet tropism: Possible role in the pathology of lumbar disc herniation in adolescents

Abstract

Objective: The role of facet tropism (FT) in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is ambiguous. The present study aimed to investigate the association between FT and LDH in adolescents. Methods: This study included 65 adolescents with LDH with 1- or 2-level LDH, or both. Facet angles were measured with MRI. FT was defined as asymmetry of 10° between the left and right side. The same levels of 30 healthy persons who had no lumbar lesions were used as controls. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test. Results: FT was identified in 16 of 39 patients with LDH in L4-5 and in 3 of 30 controls (p = 0.006, OR 6.261, 95% CI 1.619-24.217). It was also identified in 12 of 27 patients with LDH in L5-S1 and in 4 of 30 controls (p = 0.017, OR 5.200, 95% CI 1.420-19.039). One patient had LDH in both L4-5 and L5-S1. Conclusions: FT is associated with LDH in both L4-5 and L5-S1 levels in adolescents.