The costal facets are small articular surfaces on the thoracic vertebrae for the ribs. Superior and inferior costal demifacets on the vertebral bodies form joints with the heads of the ribs, and transverse costal facets on the transverse processes articulate with the rib tubercles. Their pattern varies at T1 and at T10-T12, which carry whole facets for single ribs.
| Articulations |
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| Landmarks |
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| Ossification | The body facets develop on the vertebral body and neural arch near the neurocentral junction, and the transverse facets on the transverse processes, both formed from the primary vertebral centres during fetal life. |
Costal facets define the thoracic vertebrae and help identify individual levels on imaging. The costovertebral and costotransverse joints can develop arthritis or be involved in ankylosing spondylitis, reducing chest expansion. Rib head subluxation or joint irritation is a recognised cause of sharp posterior chest pain made worse by breathing and twisting.
Irritation or minor subluxation of the joints between the rib head and the costal facets causes sharp, localised posterior chest pain on breathing and turning.
Inflammation and fusion of the costovertebral joints reduce chest expansion in ankylosing spondylitis.
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