Research progress of facet joint violation by pedicle screw in lumbar interbody fusion

Abstract

Objective To review and summarize the research progress on biomechanics, incidence and influencing factors of facet joints by pedicle screw in interbody fusion. Methods The researches related to facet joint by pedicle screw were searched in Pubmed, SpringerLink, Medline, CNKI and Wanfang database from January 2003 to December 2015 by using lumbar interbody fusion, pedicle screw, facet joint violation as key words. Results Facet joint was an important structure for stability of spine, injury could lead facet joint contracture, stiffness and osteoarthritis, which eventually accelerated the incidence of adjacent segment degeneration. Surgical trauma was an important factor causing the facet joint violation, especially the insertion of pedicle screw in operation. Facet joint had a higher incidence of injury in both open and minimally invasive pedicle screw insertion. The factors affecting pedicle screw damage facet joints included: age, sex, weight, fusion segment, fusion number, operation method, intraoperative CT navigation, and so on. Conclusions Facet joint is an important risk factor which leads to adjacent segment degeneration. Insertion of pedicle screw in operation is an important factor causing the facet joint in both open and minimally invasive surgery. Surgeons should pay more attention to the facet joints protection in fusion surgery, especially in the insertion of pedicle screws. Key words: Spinal fusion; Lumbar vertebrae; Pedicle screws; Zygapophyseal joint