Objective:

To summarize the research progress on spontaneous facet fusion (SFF) after lumbar spine surgery, and provide reference for further research on SFF.

Methods:

The definition, development, clinical significance, and related influence factors of SFF were throughout reviewed by referring to relevant domestic and foreign literature in recent years.

Results:

SFF is a phenomenon of joint space disappearance and fusion of upper and lower articular processes, which starts in a ring shape from the outermost edges to the central regions. Currently reported SFF occurred after posterior lumbar pedicle screw fixation. SFF may increase the stability of surgical segments and relieve clinical symptoms of patients. SFF is closely related to the method of lumbar internal fixation, facet osteoarthritis, interbody fusion, age, body mass index, type B fracture (according to AO classification), and the operative segment.

Conclusion:

Most reported SFF occur after posterior lumbar pedicle screw fixation, which can increase lumbar stability, but the mechanism and influencing factors remain to be further clarified.

目的:

总结腰椎内固定术后关节突关节自发性融合（spontaneous facet fusion，SFF）的临床研究进展，为进一步开展SFF相关研究提供参考。.

方法:

广泛查阅近年来国内外相关文献，对腰椎内固定术后SFF的定义、发展变化规律、临床意义及影响因素等研究进展进行总结。.

结果:

SFF是一种关节间隙消失及上、下关节突骨性融合的现象，融合过程从关节面外层逐渐向中心进展，目前报道的SFF多发生于腰椎后路椎弓根螺钉内固定术后。SFF可增加手术节段稳定性，可能有利于患者临床症状的改善。其发生与腰椎内固定方式、关节突关节骨关节炎、前柱融合、年龄、身体质量指数、AO分型的B型脊柱骨折及固定节段等密切相关。.

结论:

目前报道的SFF大多数发生于腰椎后路椎弓根螺钉内固定术后，其可增加腰椎稳定性，但发生机制及影响因素有待进一步阐明。.