An asymmetrical inferior articular process of a lumbar vertebra

The present case report describes the topographical anatomy and radiological study of an asymmetrical inferior articular process of a lumbar vertebra, which was detected during routine osteology teaching of undergraduate medical students. The inferior articular process of the lumbar vertebra on the left side was rudimentary, while that on the right was normal in size. On the left side an additional bony projection was noted anterior to the rudimentary inferior articular process. The difference in height between the inferior articular processes of the two sides may play an important role in the kinematics of the particular joint. The orientation of the facets of the articular processes of the vertebrae are important for axial weight transmission and anomalies involving these can possibly alter the orientation of movements in that particular segment. An asymmetrical inferior articular process may be related to disc prolapse and may be a cause of back pain. In view of the paucity of research reports of anatomicoradiological study of the inferior articular process of a lumbar vertebra in relation to other parts of the vertebra, we, as anatomists, believe that knowledge of anomalies of the inferior articular process may be relevant for academic, anthropological and clinical purposes.