The lumbar inferior articular processes face anterolaterally, fitting inside the superior articular processes of the vertebra below to complete the facet joint. Together with the pars interarticularis, they form the posterior column of each vertebral motion segment. The inferior articular process is bounded above by the pars interarticularis and below by the joint capsule.
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| Ossification | Formed from neural arch ossification centres, fusing to the vertebral body by age 6. The pars interarticularis connects the superior and inferior articular process and is the site of spondylolytic defects. |
The inferior articular process is separated from the superior articular process by the pars interarticularis, which is the site of spondylolysis stress fractures. Hypertrophy of the inferior articular process contributes to central canal stenosis by encroaching on the posterior spinal canal. In degenerative spondylolisthesis, incompetence of the inferior articular process-pars unit allows anterior vertebral slip. Flavectomy and facetectomy for spinal stenosis decompression involves partial removal of the inferior articular process.
Degenerative change at the facet joint causes axial low back pain and stiffness.
Rotational or extension trauma can fracture the inferior articular process.
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