The uncinate process of the cervical spine is a hook-shaped process found bilaterally on the superolateral margin of the cervical vertebral bodies of C3-C7.
The uncinate processes are more anteriorly positioned in the upper cervical spine and more posteriorly located in the lower cervical spine.
Articulations
uncovertebral or Luschka joint: joint between the uncinate process and the inferolateral portion of the vertebral body above (anvil or echancrure).
Functions
limit lateral flexion maintaining the integrity of the ipsilateral intervertebral foramen 3
maintain the position of the intervertebral discs during axial rotation 3
Variant anatomy
Uncinate processes are variably absent on C7 and have been found extending to T1 and T2 on occasion 4
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