Zygapophyseal joint adhesions after induced hypomobility.

Objective: Adhesions (ADH) have been previously identified in many hypomobile joints, but not in the zygapophyseal (Z) joints of the spine. The objective of this study was to determine if connective tissue ADH developed in lumbar Z joints after induced intervertebral hypomobility (segmental fixation).

Methods: Using an established rat model, 3 contiguous segments (L4, L5, L6) were fixed with specially engineered, surgically implanted, vertebral fixation devices.