What is a Apophyseal joint?
An apophyseal joint is a point where two or more bones join in the spine. The spinal joint is encapsulated by connective tissues, coated with cartilage and lubricated with synovial fluid to enable smooth joint articulation. Each vertebra has a pair of apophyseal joints- one on the left and one on the right.
What type of synovial joint is the Apophyseal joint?
facet joints
The facet joints, (or zygapophysial joints, zygapophyseal, apophyseal, or Z-joints) are a set of synovial, plane joints between the articular processes of two adjacent vertebrae. There are two facet joints in each spinal motion segment and each facet joint is innervated by the recurrent meningeal nerves.
Is a Zygapophyseal joint a facet joint?
Also known as the zygapophyseal or apophyseal joint, is a synovial joint between the superior articular process of one vertebra and the inferior articular process of the vertebra directly above it. There are two facet joints in each spinal motion segment.
What is Apophyseal arthropathy?
Lumbar apophyseal (facet) joint arthropathy is an important cause of low back pain and sciatica. Apophyseal joint arthrography sometimes shows “leakage” of contrast medium from the joint capsule. A histological explanation for this “leakage” at the lumbo-sacral apophyseal joint is suggested.
What forms Zygapophyseal joints?
The inferior (lower) articular processes of one vertebra form a zygapophyseal joint (facet joint) with the superior (upper) articular processes of the vertebra below it to connect the two vertebrae.
What is the function of Zygapophyseal joints?
The zygapophyseal joints are true synovial joints that allow for motion of the vertebral spine while limiting excessive motion.
Which vertebrae have Zygapophyseal joints?
On each side of the vertebral arch of each lumbar vertebra there is an inferior and a superior articular process. The inferior (lower) articular processes of one vertebra form a zygapophyseal joint (facet joint) with the superior (upper) articular processes of the vertebra below it to connect the two vertebrae.
What is Apophyseal joint hypertrophy?
Watch Facet Joint Anatomy Animation. Facet Hypertrophy is the term used to describe a degeneration and enlargement of the facet joints. The facet joints, which are a pair of small joints at each level along the back of the spine, are designed to provide support, stability, and flexibility to the spine.
What is the difference between apophysis and epiphysis?
The epiphysis is a rounded end of long bone that has direct articulation with bone at the joint. An apophysis is a normal developmental outgrowth of a bone, which arises from a separate ossification center, and fuses to the mother bone later in development.