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Distended facet sign

Case contributed by: Dr Muneesh Sharma

Presentation:

Low back aches

From the case: Distended facet sign

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MR axial

Case Discussion:

40 year old female with low back aches

MR demonstrates the "distended facet sign" at L4-5

It implies presence of spondylolisthesis (with or without lysis).

the abnormal range of movement at the facet joint in the supine non weight bearing position results in fluid distension which would disappear on weight bearing.