Faculty Collaboration Database

Lumbar facet joint capsule: appearance at MR imaging and CT. Radiology 1990 Nov;177(2):415-20

Date

11/01/1990

Pubmed ID

2217778

DOI

10.1148/radiology.177.2.2217778

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0025167290 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   43 Citations

Abstract

The joint spaces and synovium of the lumbar facet joints extend beyond the articular surfaces of the joint in the majority of adults. The authors correlated magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, computed tomographic (CT), and axial cryomicrotome sections of 66 facet joints in nine cadavers. Extensions of the synovium and joint space along the superior and inferior articular processes, under the ligamentum flavum, and into the ligamentum flavum could be recognized with use of MR and, less successfully, CT. The injection of a paramagnetic contrast medium into the facet joint facilitated visualization of the capsule on MR images. On the ventral aspect of the lumbar facet joint, MR images showed regions of high signal intensity where the joint space extended into the ligamentum flavum or between the ligamentum flavum and lamina. On the dorsal aspect of the joint, MR demonstrated prominence of the fibrous joint capsule where the joint space extended under it along the inferior articular process or along the superior articular process. The variable appearance of the ventral and dorsal aspects of the lumbar facet joint on CT and MR images is due to extension of the synovium and joint space.

Author List

Xu GL, Haughton VM, Carrera GF

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Arthrography
Autopsy
Contrast Media
Female
Humans
Joints
Lumbar Vertebrae
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Middle Aged
Tomography, X-Ray Computed