Abstract：Objective: The imaging findings of CT, conventional MRI and fat saturation sequence in the lumbar articular joint degeneration were observed to further improve clinical importance. Methods: The imaging data of 538 patients with lumbar articular joint degeneration were restrospectively analysed. The results of CT, conventional MRI, and fat saturation sequence were analyzed by Chi-Square tests. Results: Fat saturation sequence was superior than CT and conventional MRI in terms of showing facet joint synovitis, MRI is better than CT in showing articular cartilage(P<0.05). There were obvious advantages for CT in observing bone destruction, vacuum sign, and secondary signs(P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in osteoarthritis among them(P>0.05). Conclusion: Conventional MRI and fat saturation sequence are the choice of technique for acute-inflammatory phase of disease, but CT is the choice for chronic phase or pre-operation.
2014, Vol. 25 
