Experimental study of correlation between morphological characteristics of the intervertebral foramina and disc heights in low lumbar spine
- VernacularTitle:下腰椎椎间孔形态与椎间盘高度丢失的相关性研究
- Author:
Yu QIAN
;
Shunwu FAN
;
Xiangqian FANG
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Lumbar vertebrae;
Intervertebral disc;
Spinal stenosis;
Regression analysis
- From:
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics
1996;0(09):-
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To investigate the morphological characteristics of the intervertebral foramina and their alterations in the process of disc height loss in low lumbar spine in order to provide basic data for the diagnosis and treatment of foraminal stenosis. Methods Eight fresh cadaveric lumbar spines of L3 to S1 were obtained for study, which were cleaned off their surrounding muscles and kept the ligaments, annulus fibrous and nerve roots attached. The morphological characteristics of foramina of L4,5 and L5S1 and their anatomic relationships with the nerve roots were observed with and without nucleus pulposus in situ under different loading conditions (0, 300, 500 N). The foraminal dimensions including heights, maximal widths and minimal widths were measured, and the disc heights were measured on lateral radiograph under above loading conditions as well. Results Without any loading, the foramina were inverted teardrop shaped, the foramina of L4,5 were similar to that of L5S1. The nerve roots were located in the upper part of the foramina, and passed across the foramina obliquely. With 500 N loading, the shapes of the foramina and the relationships with the nerve roots were found to be changed little. After removal of nucleus pulposus and more loading was applied, the foramina became stenotic gradually and the nerve roots were pushed against the superior pedicle. The foraminal heights, maximal widths and the anterior, posterior disc heights became narrower, and were significantly different from those under no loading condition (P
