"The articulation forms between the uncinate processes bilaterally with the corresponding inferior shallow concavity of the vertebra above. The uncinate processes arise as lips curving superiorly from the lateral borders of the vertebral body. This articulation forms the anterior border of the intervertebral foramen. It lies medial to the vertebral artery and spinal nerve roots. The anterior aspect of each uncovertebral joint is enclosed by fibrous tissue continuous from the corresponding intervertebral disc 2. Uncovertebral articulations were originally described as true synovial joints. However subsequent detailed histological analyses failed to demonstrate the presence of a synovial membrane. Later investigators showed however that synoviocytes are present at least in the joints of elderly people2."
"Hubert von Luschka (1820-1875) was a German anatomist active in the second half of the nineteenth century who was one of the first anatomists to research normal, as well as diseased, cadavers. He published on the uncovertebral joints in 1860. He has lent his eponym to quite an impressive range of structures, at least 23 by one reckoning 5!"
"the vertebral artery and spinal nerve roots may be compromised due to osteophyte formation. Resection of the uncovertebral joint and associated osteophytes may decompress acquired impingement."
Expected headings
"Function"