The thoracic facet capsular ligaments stabilise the thoracic zygapophyseal joints which face nearly coronally, optimising their resistance to the rotational forces that are greatest in the thoracic spine. Thoracic facet joint pain is less common than lumbar or cervical but produces the well-localised paraspinal thoracic pain reproduced by direct joint pressure and chest rotation.
| Origin | Inferior articular process of the superior thoracic vertebra |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Superior articular process of the inferior vertebra |
| Actions | Restrains thoracic facet joint motion; limits rotation and lateral flexion at each thoracic segment |
|---|
Thoracic facet syndrome produces a sharp, well-localised paraspinal pain reproduced by direct facet joint palpation and trunk rotation. Medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation are used similarly to cervical and lumbar facet management.
Thoracic facet capsular pain producing paraspinal chest pain reproduced by rotation, managed with medial branch blocks and radiofrequency neurotomy.
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