Journal List > J Korean Orthop Assoc > v.26(4) > 1114976

Chae, Huh, and Park: The Orientation of Facet Joints and Laminae of Korean in the Lower Lumbar Spine

Abstract

The orientation of facet joints and laminae in lower lumbar spine is important to determine the direction and amount of motion in lower lumbar spine. The purpose of this study is to measure the range of normal value of the angles of the facet joints(Transverse Interfacet-Joint Angle) and the caudal parts of the corresponding laminae(Transverse Interlaminar Angle), and to compare these angles in European with those in Korean. These angles were investigated with computed tomography at the vertebral levels, L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-Sl. The author measured these two angles in 50 patients complaining of low back pain. The results obtained are as follows:1. The mean values for TIFA of Korean at L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-Sl are 69.5°±16.7°, 87.8°±14.4° and 101.1°±11.3°, respectively. 2. The mean values for TILA of Korean at L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-Sl are 93.6°±9.1°, 101.3°±10.2° and 117.9°±21.9°, respectively. 3. The mean values for TIFA of Korean at L3-4, L4-5 and L5-Sl are smaller than those of European, the differences at lower two levels have statistic value(p<0.05). But the mean values for TILA of Korean at L3-4, L4-5 and L5-Sl are larger than those of European, the differences at these three levels have no statistic value(p<0.05) 4. There is a gradual increase in TIFA and TILA from L3-L4 downward. 5. The orientation of facet joints of Korean are more sagittal in transverse plane than those of European, but the orientation of laminae of Korean are more coronal than those of European. 6. The orientation of facet joints and laminae of Korean and European are more coronal in transverse plane from L3-L4 downward.

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