Tropism of Sub-Axial Cervical Facet Joints Is Not Related to Segmental Movement during Active Movement or Therapist-Perceived Symptomatic Locations

Tropism, or asymmetry, of facet joints in the cervical spine has been found to be related degenerative changes and discs. Clinicians often assume that differences segmental mobility are tropism. The aims this study were determine relationship between asymmetry sub-axial (1) (2) spinal levels perceived by therapists have limited mobility. Eighteen participants with idiopathic neck pain had MRIs their neutral at end active rotation. Angular movement translational each motion segment was calculated from 3D segmentations vertebrae. A plane fitted on side. Tropism considered difference orientation planes ranged 1 30° a median 7.7°. No relationships extent tropism either locations deemed symptomatic. does not appear rotation