Foraminal changes with distraction and compression of the L4/5 and L5/S1 segments.

Humke, T; Grob, D; Grauer, W; Sandler, A; Dvorak, J · Eur Spine J · 1996

biomechanical · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

The width of the foramen in the lumbar spine is directly related to the position of the vertebrae. In an MRI study the measurements of the cross-sectional area of the neuroforamen of L4/5 and L5/S1 in neutral position, segmental distraction and compression were calculated. Nine cadaver specimens were investigated and the foraminal width of L4/5 and L5/S1 was measured. In both segments of all specimens the foraminal space significantly enlarged under distraction and decreased under compression. In the L4/5 segment the average relative difference between distraction and compression was 27%.

Medical subject headings

Anatomy