Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate facet joint parameters and osteoarthritis grades, and segmental angular and translational motions among different grades of L5/S1 intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration.

Methods

This retrospective study analysed kinematic magnetic resonance imaging (kMRI) images of the lumbar spine of 214 patients with low back pain. Degenerations of the L5/S1 IVDs and facet joints osteoarthritis were assessed using the Pfirrmann and Pathria grading scales, respectively. Facet joint parameters included facet joint angle and facet joint space width. Angular and translation segmental motions were measured using MRI Analyzer software.

Results

The mean age of the studied patients was 44.1 ± 13.9 years. Patients with L5/S1 disc degeneration were associated with higher odds of facet joint osteoarthritis (odds ratio = 2.28, 95% confidence interval = 1.23–4.23, P = 0.008). There was a positive correlation between L5/S1 disc degeneration grade and the facet joint grade (r = 0.365, P > 0.001). Grade IV facet joint osteoarthritis did not appear in grades I or II disc degeneration (P > 0.001). The average facet joint width decreased significantly with increasing Pfirrmann grading (P = 0.017). The difference in facet joint angle between groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.532). The differences in the angular and translational motions were not statistically significant (P = 0.530, and 0.510, respectively).

Conclusion

A positive correlation exists between L5/S1 disc degeneration and facet joint osteoarthritis grades. The facet joint space width decreases significantly with increasing grade of disc degeneration.

中文翻译：

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评估L5 / S1椎间盘退变程度不同的患者的小关节和节段运动：运动学MRI研究。

目的

这项研究旨在评估小关节参数和骨关节炎等级，以及不同等级的L5 / S1椎间盘退变（IVD）变性之间的节段性角和平移运动。

方法

这项回顾性研究分析了214位腰痛患者的腰椎运动磁共振成像（kMRI）图像。分别使用Pfirrmann和Pathria分级量表评估L5 / S1 IVD和小关节骨关节炎的退化。小关节参数包括小关节角度和小关节间距。使用MRI分析仪软件测量角和平移节段运动。

结果

研究患者的平均年龄为44.1±13.9岁。L5 / S1椎间盘退变的患者与小关节性骨关节炎的几率更高相关（赔率= 2.28，95％置信区间= 1.23–4.23，P  = 0.008）。L5 / S1椎间盘退变等级与小关节等级之间呈正相关（r  = 0.365，P  > 0.001）。I级或II级椎间盘退变没有出现IV级小关节关节炎（P  > 0.001）。随着Pfirrmann分级的增加，平均小关节宽度显着降低（P  = 0.017）。各组之间小关节角度的差异无统计学意义（P = 0.532）。角向运动和平移运动的差异无统计学意义（ 分别为P = 0.530和0.510）。

结论

L5 / S1椎间盘退变与小关节骨关节炎等级之间存在正相关。随着椎间盘退变程度的增加，小关节间​​隙宽度明显减小。