腰椎小关节骨关节炎宏观及微观改变的研究进展

Lumbar facet joint ( FJ ) is a unique synovial joint of the spine, which forms a functional unit-"three joint complex" with the intervertebral disc of the same spinal segment. The primary pathological process of FJ degeneration is the development of osteoarthritis ( OA ). At present, the research methods on macroscopic changes of FJOA mainly include anatomical morphology, biomechanics, pathophysiology and imaging. With the rapid development of imaging technology and computer technology, we have heen able to evaluate FJOA more accurately and comprehensively, so as to lay the foundation for further micro-research. At the cellular and molecular level, we can investigate the mechanisms of FJOA, which may provide scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of this disease. Many previous researches have focused on pain mediators and inflammatory factors revealed the close relationship between low back pain and FJOA. The mechanisms and differences in the evolution of asymptomatic and symptomatic FJOA should be considered in future studies.