Multiple Loose Bodies in the Lumbar Facet Joint: Case Report

We describe here a patient diagnosed with multiple loose bodies in the lumbar facet joint. The patient was a 52-year-old woman who presented with left sciatic pain. Neurological findings indicated L5 radiculopathy. Radiological findings revealed lateral recess stenosis at the L4-L5 level, and loose bodies in the left L4-L5 facet joint were noted that compressed the left L5 nerve root. We performed laminotomy at the left L4-L5 level, and removed five loose bodies located on the dorsal side of the ligamentum flavum. Following removal of the loose bodies and flavectomy, the L5 nerve root was decompressed. Postoperatively, the patient's symptoms improved markedly. Symptomatic multiple loose bodies in the lumbar facet joint are very rare, and can cause lumbar radiculopathy. It is important for spine surgeons to recognize this pathology.