Abstract
Background The long-term outcome of facet joint replacement (FJR) still is to be proven.
Methods We present a prospective case series of 26 (male-to-female ratio of 1:1; mean age:
61 years) patients undergoing FJR with a follow-up of at least 1 year (range: 12–112;
mean: 67 months). Visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability
Index (ODI), and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) were applied pre- and
postoperatively (after 3, 6, and 12 months) as well as at the last follow-up (N = 24). Using X-rays of the lumbar spine (N = 20), the range of motion (ROM) and disk height in the indicator and adjacent levels
were assessed.
Results FJR was performed at L3/L4 (N = 7), L4/L5 (N = 17), and L5/S1 (N = 2). Mean VAS (mm) for back pain decreased from 71 to 18, mean VAS for right leg
pain from 61 to 7, and from 51 to 3 for the left leg. Mean ODI dropped from 51 to
22% (for all p < 0.01). Eighty seven percent of patients were satisfied and pretreatment activities
were completely regained in 78.3% of patients. Disk height at the indicator and adjacent
levels and ROM at the indicator segment and the entire lumbar spine were preserved.
No loosening of implants was observed. Explantation of FJR and subsequent fusion had
to be performed in four cases (15.4%).
Conclusions In selected cases, long-term results of FJR show good outcome concerning pain, quality
of life, preservation of lumbar spine motion, and protection of adjacent level.
Keywords
facet joint replacement - facet joint arthroplasty - facet joint pain - spinal motion
preservation - adjacent level disease
