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Isthmic spondylolysis of L5 in a
29–year–old woman who died from aspiration of a nose–bleeding. She
had no history of back pain. At L5 the pedieles are broad and wide
and project posterolaterally. This spondylolysis defect resembles a
hypertrophic elephant–foot type pseudarthrosis, bordered medially by
a capsule or membrane that contributes to the trifoliate
configuration of the spinal canal. The L5 roots are recessed in a
furrows immediately anterior to the defect. The facet joints are
severely altered by osteoarthrosis changes and the lamina is
markedly thickened on the right side, rendering the spinal canal
slightly asymmetric. The epidural space is occupied by fat that is
interspersed with sparse epidural veins. Anteriorly the L4 nerves
and some arteries snugly swerve around the base of the transverse
processes. |
©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/
