Uncinate Process
Description[edit | edit source]
The uncinate process of the vertebrae are associated with the uncovertebral joints, also known as the joint of Luschka, and are a unique feature of the cervical spine [1].
The uncinate process refers to a hook-shaped process located on the superolateral margins of the bilateral C3-C7 vertebral bodies [2]. They are positioned on each side of the associated intervertebral discs, lateral and anterior to the intervertebral foramina (IVF) [3].
In the upper cervical spine, the uncinate processes are positioned in a more anterior position in relation to the lower cervical spine, where they are positioned slightly more posterior [2].
Articulations[edit | edit source]
There are a total of four articulations that make up the uncovertebral joints, which are formed between the superolateral margins of the uncinate processes and the inferolateral portion of the vertebral body above [2].
Function[edit | edit source]
- Limits lateral flexion, which plays a role in preserving the integrity of the ipsilateral IVF [1].
- Maintains the position of the intervertebral disc during axial rotation [1].
Anatomical Variation[edit | edit source]
- Uncinate processes are subject to variation and may be absent on the vertebral body of C7. On occasion, they may extend down to T1 and T2 [4].
Pathology[edit | edit source]
Osteophytes from the unicinate process result in narrowing of the intervertebral foramen and are the main cause of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy[5]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Hartman J. Anatomy and clinical significance of the uncinate process and uncovertebral joint: a comprehensive review. Clinical Anatomy. 2014 Apr;27(3):431-40.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Moore KL, Dalley AF. Clinically oriented anatomy. Wolters kluwer india Pvt Ltd; 2018 Jul 12.
- ↑ Vaskovis J. Uncovertebral joints [internet]. Anatomy, spine and back, spine. Kenhub; 2020 [cited 2020Sep26]. Available from: https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/uncovertebral-joints
- ↑ Tubbs RS, Rompala OJ, Verma K, Mortazavi MM, Benninger B, Loukas M, Chambers MR. Analysis of the uncinate processes of the cervical spine: an anatomical study. Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine. 2012 Apr 1;16(4):402-7.
- ↑ J. Lu, N. A. Ebraheim, H. Yang, M. Skie, R. A. Yeasting. Cervical uncinate process: an anatomic study for anterior decompression of the cervical spine. Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy November 1998, Volume 20, Issue 4, pp 249-252
