Pathology

Lumbosacral and Spinopelvic Anatomy and Pathology - Lower Lumbar Spine at Foraminal Outlet

Wolfgang Rauschning, M.D., Ph.D.
Research Professor, Clinical and Applied Anatomy and Pathology
Uppsala University Hospital
Uppsala, Sweden
Lower lumbar spine from a 45-year od woman at the level of the foraminal outlet
Lower lumbar spine from a 45–year–old woman at the level of the foraminal outlet. Both at L4–L5 and L5–SI the (postganglionic) lumbar spinal nerves have definite relationships to the posterolateral margins of the discs. The L4–L5 disc inserts at the upper aspect of the L5 pedicle. Posteriorly at this level the thick capsule of the facet joint braces the inferior articular process of L4, note the articular recesses that extend posteriorly. At L5–S1 the facet joint displays degenerative changes, especially in the lower portion of the joint, contrary to L4–L5 the joint capsule is thin and incomplete. At the lower border of the figure horizontally oriented arteries and veins traverse the first dorsal sacral foramen.

©2000 Wolfgang Rauschning, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Clinical Anatomy
Academic University Hospital
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Uppsala, Sweden
Reproduction without permission is prohibited
http://www.akademiska.se/
Last Updated: 07/29/2004
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