Superior Articular Facet of Vertebra Anatomy in 3D

The "Top half" of the facet joint. Arthritis here causes "Mechanical Back Pain"; if the facet joints grow too large (Hypertrophy), they will "Pinch" the spinal nerves, causing "Spinal Stenosis."

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Related structures

Vertebra L3 Superior Articular Process of Vertebra Inferior Articular Facet of Vertebra Superior Articular Process of Sacrum Superior Articular Surface of Atlas Superior Facet of Talus Articular Facet of Head of Radius Articular Facet of Lateral Malleolus