OBJECTIVE: To investigate the imaging appearances and diagnostic value of axial CT scanning, spiral CT multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction in vertebral facet joints locking.
 METHODS: A total of 31 cases of vertebral facet joints locking, with injuries in different parts, were recruited to explore their CT features, and to evaluate their advantages in diagnosis against each other.
 RESULTS: Among the CT images of 31 cases with "Hamburger" sign in axial view, there were 21 cases of cervical spine and 10 cases of thoracolumbar segment; in vertical plane of MPR, "top to top" form was formed below the inferior and the superior articular process, accompanied by I° spondylolisthesis and inferior articular process tip fracture; 5 cases were unilateral locked cervical spine; none case for thoracolumbar segment. The inferior articular process was crossed with the superior articular process below and moved forward, formed "back to back" form, accompanied by II°-III° spondylolisthesis. 9 or 6 cases were bilateral or unilateral locking cervical spine, 10 cases were thoracolumbar segment, accompanied by teardrop fracture in the vertebral body below cervical spine. In coronal plane of MPR, inferior articular process showed ingression in different extent, and relied on the superior articular process below or locked in the articular fossa (21 cases for cervical spine); inferior articular process displayed upward displacement or appeared with the superior articular process at the same time, which meant joint structure disappearing thoracolumbar segment (10 cases). In 3D reconstruction, 31 cases displayed clearly in the spatial form of vertebral facet joints locking and the degree of spondylolisthesis of vertebral body.
 CONCLUSION MPR and 3D image were more clear and intuitive in vertebral facet joints locking comparing to axial CT scan image. Spiral CT MPR and 3D reconstruction contributed to the diagnosis of vertebral facet joints locking and the reduction of misdiagnoses rates.
Cervical Vertebrae ; pathology ; Fractures, Bone ; pathology ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; pathology ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Zygapophyseal Joint ; pathology