Relationship between changes of the bony architecture and remodeling in the facet joints of the lumbar spine was studied in cadaveric specimens, using the method of microradiography. The facetal angle was 59 degrees at L1-2, 65 degrees at L2-3, 75 degrees at L3-4 and 92 degrees at L4-5. The subchondral compact bone volume was higher at the anterior part in all cases. The greater compact bone volume was found in the more sagittally facing facets, asymmetrical facets and facets with disc degeneration. Highly mineralized tissues in the trabeculae were observed in the degenerative facets. These tissues consisted of old calcified fibrocartilage, left alone as the result of continued remodeling. The degenerative changes in the lumbar facet joints probably start as calcification of the part where the ligamentum flavum attaches, followed by new bone formation and transformation of the joints.