The lumbar superior articular processes face posteromedially, articulating with the inferior articular processes of the vertebra above to form the zygapophyseal (facet) joints. Their orientation (20-25 degrees from the sagittal plane at L1-L2 to more coronal at L5-S1) determines the proportion of rotational versus sagittal motion permitted at each level.
The orientation of the lumbar superior articular process determines susceptibility to rotational versus flexion-extension injury. More coronally oriented L4-L5 and L5-S1 facets allow more flexion-extension but resist rotation less. Facet joint hypertrophy of the superior articular process is a major contributor to lateral recess and neural foraminal stenosis, compressing the exiting nerve root. Articular process fractures occur in hyperextension injuries and are a component of traumatic spondylolisthesis.
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