title: Translation of the facets during coupled motion in the cervical spine: a pilot study.
abstract: Facet movements in the mid-cervical spine (C2-C4) were examined on two cervical columns from preserved cadavers. The dissected columns were clamped to allow manual movement of one vertebra on the fixed vertebra beneath. Pins were inserted to mark the position of the facets, and movement changes recorded photographically; 160 measurements were taken from these photographs. The study showed that the facets of the free vertebra could be moved to either side in relation to the facets of the fixed vertebra. Furthermore during movements simulating lateral flexion and rotation, sideways translation of the facets was found to be part of the complex three dimensional motion.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schneider
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pardoe