44. Orientation of lumbar facet joints based on age in white and black patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Several studies found the age-related changes in the orientation of lumbar facet joints in Asian population. However, there is a paucity of literature on the association between orientation of the lumbar facet joints and age in white and Black population.

PURPOSE

To explore the association between orientation of the lumbar facet joints and age in white and Black population.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

A cross-sectional study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Patients aged 20-79, who underwent abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) for the trauma screening in New York City area and whose race was classified as “white” and “Black” on the questionnaire, were recruited in the study from Mar 2019 to Mar 2020.

OUTCOME MEASURES

N/A

METHODS

In total, there were 1,343 subjects included, 650 white (339 females, 311 males) and 693 Black (355 females, 338 males) patients. Subjects were recruited based on their subgroups until there was a minimum of 45 measurements at each facet joint level in each of the 24 subgroups. The subgroups were based on gender, race, and 10-year age range. Facet joint orientation angle of both sides was measured and averaged at L1/2, L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 in the axial planes on CT images. Associations between the angle and age were analyzed.

RESULTS

Facet joint angles significantly increased with aging at L1/2 in white population and decreased at all the levels in Black population (p<0.05). Facet joint angles significantly increased with aging at L1/2 in white females and decreased at all the levels in Black females (p<0.05). Facet joint angles significantly increased with aging at L1/2 in white males and decreased with aging at L1/2, L2/3, L3/4, and L4/5 in Black males (p<0.05). At L4/5, age-related decrease was most remarkable in Black females and the angle was the smallest in 70 years of age in Black females.

CONCLUSIONS

Lumbar facet joint angles significantly decreased with aging in Black females and males, while not in white females or males. At L4/5, decreasing facet joint angles with aging was most remarkable in Black females. Our results may explain the high prevalence of degenerative spondylolisthesis at L4/5 in Black females.

FDA Device/Drug Status

This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.