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Original Research | Health and Medical Sciences | Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026 | Pages: 343 - 349 | India
Association of Facet Joint Orientation and Tropism with Lumbar Disc Herniation and Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: A Prospective Study
Abstract: Background: Facet joint orientation and facet tropism are important anatomical factors influencing lumbar spine biomechanics. Their role in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) remains controversial despite several biomechanical and radiological studies. Objective: To evaluate the association of facet joint orientation and facet tropism with lumbar disc herniation and degenerative spondylolisthesis and to assess their predictive value for lumbar instability and surgical decision-making. Methods: A prospective observational case-control study was conducted involving 50 patients with degenerative lumbar spine pathology and 50 age- and sex-matched controls at a tertiary care center. Facet joint orientation and tropism were measured using axial CT/MRI at L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 levels. Facet orientation was calculated as the mean of right and left facet angles, while facet tropism was defined as the absolute difference between both sides. Tropism ?8? was considered significant. Statistical analysis included chi-square test, Fisher?s exact test, odds ratio (OR), logistic regression, and ROC curve analysis. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Sagittal facet orientation was observed in 47 patients (94%) and showed a strong association with degenerative lumbar spine pathology (OR = 15.67, p < 0.0001). Facet tropism ?8? was present in 18 patients (36%) but did not show a statistically significant association with disease (OR = 0.56, p = 0.19). ROC analysis demonstrated good predictive ability for facet orientation (AUC ? 0.72-0.82), whereas facet tropism showed poor predictive value (AUC ? 0.43-0.56). Conclusion: Sagittal facet orientation is a significant anatomical predictor of degenerative lumbar spine pathology, particularly degenerative spondylolisthesis, whereas facet tropism alone is not a reliable independent predictor. Assessment of facet morphology may improve preoperative planning and surgical outcomes.
Keywords: Facet joint orientation, Facet tropism, Lumbar disc herniation, Degenerative spondylolisthesis, Lumbar instability, Spinal biomechanics
How to Cite?: Dr. Ankit Kayathwal, Dr. Sunil Patidar, Dr. Adeeb Qureshi, "Association of Facet Joint Orientation and Tropism with Lumbar Disc Herniation and Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: A Prospective Study", Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 343-349, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26603111105, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26603111105