Age‐related changes in the lumbar facet joints

Abstract

Abstract The normal appearance of the lumbar facet joints has been related to the age of the subject. We classified the changes in the menisci, articular cartilage, and subarticular cortical bone with respect to age in 24 cadavers. Normally the meniscus diminishes in size, the articular cartilage thins, and subarticular cortical bone thickens with age. Determination of normality must be made with respect to age.