[Integrity of lumbar facet joint and curative effect after a lumbar intervertebral disc operation]

To analyze the relation between the clinical outcome and the integrity of the facets after a lumbar operation,and to provide a reference for choosing operative method and clinical prognosis.Forty-three patients with complete data underwent uni-segment discectomy were enrolled. There were 3 surgical interventions: open-window discectomy, full or semi-laminectomy. Groups were divided based on the integrity of the facets after the operation, and the clinical symptoms and signs were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back (JOA) scores at 24-month follow-up.Preoperative JOA scores were not significantly different among the groups (P0.05). Compared with the facet intact group at 24-month follow-up,JOA scores were descended statistically in total uni-facetectomy group and total uni-facetectomy plus partial opposite facetectomy group (P0.01).Keeping facets integrated plays an important role in achieving good clinical results,and the damage of facet should be avoided in the lumbar operation.