{Reference Type}: Case Reports
{Title}: Classification of the Congenital Defect of the Lumbar Facet Joint: Case Report and Literature Review.
{Author}: Wang S;Lin G;Zhao G;Qiu C;Wang L;Yuan S;Tian Y;Liu X;
{Journal}: Orthop Surg
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jun 24
{Factor}: 2.279
{DOI}: 10.1111/os.14132
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Congenital lumbar facet joint defect is a rare congenital developmental disorder with only a few reported cases in the literature, primarily affecting the L5-S1 segments. This study reports the first case of a defect in the left L3 inferior articular process; and presents a review of the existing literature on the subject, proposes a classification system, and validates the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of this classification system.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A 14-year-old boy presented to our orthopedic clinic with persistent lower back pain for 1 month. Imaging analysis, including CT scans, 3D reconstruction, and MRI, revealed a congenital lumbar facet joint defect at the L3 level, which has not been reported. Conservative treatment resulted in a significant improvement in his symptoms, and he is currently under follow-up care.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Congenital defect of the lumbar facet joint is a rare spinal condition. This article reports the first patient with a defect in the left L3 inferior articular process and conducts a comprehensive literature review, proposing a classification of articular process defects into five types. The two most common types are Types B and C. We have demonstrated that this system is reliable and reproducible and have described the treatment of each type.