A lateral view of a normal cervical spine provides orientation on the left of the page. A sagittal normal section is seen on the top right. The bottom two sagittal cervical sections demonstrate the mechanism of cervical facet arthropathy.

Traumatic Left Cervical Facet Arthropathy

Name: Traumatic Left Cervical Facet Arthropathy
SKU: S10073
Availability: InStock

SKU: S10073

This exhibit depicts the mechanism of traumatic cervical facet arthropathy. Cervical facets are the posterior articulating surfaces that interlock adjacent vertebrae. They are covered in a layer of articular cartilage and are surrounded by a fibrous joint capsule containing lubricating synovial fluid. This allows the spine to flex, extend, and twist. Traumatic cervical facet arthropathy is a degenerative condition of the facet joint resulting from a forceful impact of the articular surfaces. Injury to the articular cartilage causes friction within the joint, leading to swelling and the development of osteoarthritic spurs. This compresses the neural foramina and impinges upon the cervical nerve root.