The articular pillar (lateral mass) of a typical cervical vertebra is the column of bone between the superior and inferior articular processes, located lateral to the spinal canal and posterior to the transverse foramen. It is the site of the zygapophyseal (facet) joint and the primary load-bearing column of the posterior cervical spine.
| Articulations |
|
|---|---|
| Landmarks |
|
| Ossification | Formed from the neural arch ossification centres which appear at 7-9 weeks gestation and fuse to the vertebral body by age 3-6. |
The articular pillar is fractured in hyperextension-compression injuries and lateral mass fractures, which may be subtle on plain X-ray but clearly defined on CT. Bilateral articular pillar fractures produce traumatic spondylolisthesis. Lateral mass screws are placed through the articular pillar for posterior cervical stabilisation. Facet joint injections target the joint between adjacent articular pillars for cervicogenic headache and neck pain.
Extension and rotation fracture the articular pillar, sometimes with radiculopathy and facet instability.
Flexion-distraction forces can perch or lock the facets of one pillar over the next.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
