Lumbar facet orientation in spondylolysis: a skeletal study.

Study Design: Orientation of the lumbar articular facets at the L1-L5 level was measured and analyzed.

Objective: To characterize the relationship between lumbar facet orientation and isthmic spondylolysis.

Summary Of Background Data: Whereas many studies have explored the relationship between facet orientation in the transverse plane and various spinal pathologies, there is insufficient data regarding this relationship and isthmic spondylolysis.