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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/
