title: Quantitative morphometric analysis of the lumbar vertebral facets and evaluation of feasibility of lumbar spinal nerve root and spinal canal decompression using the Goel intraarticular facetal spacer distraction technique: A lumbar/cervical facet comparison.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The authors evaluate the anatomic subtleties of lumbar facets and assess the feasibility and effectiveness of use of 'Goel facet spacer' in the treatment of degenerative spinal canal stenosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five lumbar vertebral cadaveric dried bones were used for the purpose. A number of morphometric parameters were evaluated both before and after the introduction of Goel facet spacers within the confines of the facet joint.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The spacers achieved distraction of facets that was more pronounced in the vertical perspective. Introduction of spacers on both sides resulted in an increase in the intervertebral foraminal height and a circumferential increase in the spinal canal dimensions. Additionally, there was an increase in the disc space or intervertebral body height. The lumbar facets are more vertically and anteroposteriorly oriented when compared to cervical facets that are obliquely and transversely oriented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Understanding the anatomical peculiarities of the lumbar and cervical facets can lead to an optimum utilization of the potential of Goel facet distraction arthrodesis technique in the treatment of spinal degenerative canal stenosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India.
authors.forename: Savni R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Satoskar
authors.affiliation: Medical Student, University College London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Aimee A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Goel
authors.affiliation: Intern, Dnyandeo Yashwantrao Patil Medical College, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Pooja H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India.
authors.forename: Atul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Goel
keywords: Distraction; Goel intraarticular spacer; lumbar degenerative disease; lumbar facets