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Lumbar Facet Tropism: A Comprehensive Review
Fernando Alonso1, Christina M Kirkpatrick1, William Jeong2
1Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.
World Neurosurgery
|March 11, 2017
Summary
Facet tropism, a spinal condition, is linked to degenerative issues like spondylolisthesis. Further research is needed to clarify its origins and long-term effects on spinal health.
Area of Science:
- Spinal Anatomy and Biomechanics
- Degenerative Spine Conditions
Background:
- Facet tropism is inconsistently reported in medical literature.
- Its origins and impact on spinal health remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anatomy, embryology, biomechanics, and pathology of lumbar facet tropism.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review.
Main Results:
- Facet tropism is most prevalent in the L4-L5 vertebral segments.
- Evidence suggests a correlation between facet tropism and facet degenerative spondylolisthesis, intervertebral disc disease, and other degenerative conditions.
Conclusions:
- Further long-term patient studies are required to understand the associations with facet tropism.
- A precise, universally accepted definition of facet tropism is needed for future research.
