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.
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.
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