Table 1 Main imaging findings in various imaging modalities
From: Facet joint syndrome: from diagnosis to interventional management
X-ray imaging | MRI | SPECT | |
|---|---|---|---|
Radiographs | CT | ||
AP, lateral (isthmus profile) and oblique views (“Scottie dog”) | Highest contrast between bony structures and adjacent soft tissue | Active synovial inflammation, Adjacent bone edema Fat saturation technique ± Gadolinium injection | 99mTc labelled bisphosphonates Osteoblastic activity Hyperemia associated with bone remodelling |
Joint space narrowing Subchondral sclerosis and erosions Cartilage thinning Calcification of the joint capsule Hypertrophy of articular processes Vacuum joint phenomenon joint effusion | Facet joint effusion Subchondral bone edema Enhancement of the FJ rim (synovitis) Wraparound bumper osteophyte formation | Increased uptake (nonspecific) | |