Wervelgewrichten

Wervelgewrichten, also known as facetgewrichten, are small synovial joints located between the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae in the spine. They connect the posterior elements of the vertebrae and play a crucial role in providing stability and guiding spinal movements such as flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation. Each vertebra typically has four wervelgewrichten, two superior and two inferior, forming a paired articulation with the vertebrae above and below. The joint surfaces are covered with hyaline cartilage and enclosed within a joint capsule, lubricated by synovial fluid.

The orientation of the wervelgewrichten varies along the vertebral column, influencing the range and type of motion possible in each region. In the cervical spine, they are oriented more horizontally, allowing for greater mobility, particularly rotation and lateral bending. In the thoracic spine, their orientation is more oblique, limiting rotation and favoring some lateral bending. In the lumbar spine, they are oriented more sagittally, restricting rotation and primarily allowing flexion and extension. The wervelgewrichten are innervated by medial branches of the dorsal rami of spinal nerves, which can be a source of pain if irritated or inflamed. Conditions affecting these joints, such as osteoarthritis (spondylosis) and facet joint syndrome, can lead to localized pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.