Uncovertebral Joints (Luschka)

articulationes uncovertebrales

The uncovertebral joints of Luschka are unique to the cervical spine, developing after birth from clefts in the lateral annulus of the cervical disc. The uncinate processes project superiorly from the lateral margins of cervical vertebral bodies C3 through C7 to articulate with the lateral bevels of the vertebral body above. They are structurally important in guiding cervical motion but clinically important because their osteophytic hypertrophy in cervical spondylosis encroaches directly on the nerve roots in the intervertebral foramen, producing cervical radiculopathy.

Region: Neck

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Uncovertebral osteophytes are the primary bony cause of cervical foraminal stenosis and radiculopathy, visible on axial CT as spurs projecting posterolaterally into the foramen. The C5-C6 and C6-C7 levels are most commonly affected. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) removes the disc and uncovertebral osteophytes through the anterior approach, directly decompressing the foramen. Posterior foraminotomy removes the osteophytes from the posterior approach without fusion.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Cervical Radiculopathy from Uncovertebral Spondylosis

Nerve root compression by uncovertebral osteophytes producing dermatomal arm pain and weakness managed with physiotherapy, injection, and surgical decompression for refractory cases.