Prevalence of chronic facet arthropathy: a retrospective study.

ABSTRACT

Background: To assess prevalence facet-joint arthropathy in chronic low back pain using computed tomography. Methods: A retrospective study profiled and analysed objective data from patients CT scans and previous records. Results: Facetal arthropathy was graded by Pathria’s criteria.102 joints (33.12%) were grade 1, 113 (36.69%) grade 2, 63 (20.45%) grade 3, and 30 (9.74. %) grade 4. Final result showed that females were affected more than the male in Grade II, III and IV. Age group more affected was between 46-85 years. Conclusions: Our study on chronic low back pain revealed prevalence of facet-joint involvement 66.88% (206 patients) in rural population with age group involved more than 46 years.