RESUMO
Objective To discuss the time-dependent changes of facet joint asymmetry in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods A total of 54 patients with LDH were prospectively analyzed. CT was used to judge whether there existed small joint facet asymmetry and to measure the facet joints. The present results were compared with the results that would be investigated two years later. Results The sagittal process of small facet plane accounted the majority in patients with LDH after two years, with no statistical difference compared with the results before two years (P ＞ 0.05). During 2-year period, the facet joint asymmetry disappeared in seven patients, while the facet joint asymmetry occurred in other seven patients, with no statistical difference (P ＞ 0.05). Conclusions Facet plane and the asymmetry will change with time. Observation of the relationship between facet joint asymmetry and LDH should be carried out in a period of time rather than at a time point.