A
few millimeters above the level of SLIDE 7 the anatomy changes
dramatically: The posterior contour of the vertebral body is beveled
and slightly V–shaped. From posteriorly large enthesopathic
(insertion–site calcification) ligamentum flavum osteophytes at the
superior articular processes cause complete obliteration of the
subpedicular notch and of the lateral recesses. The ganglia are
dislocated laterally and flattened against the inferior surface of
the pedicles by the disc underneath and the superior articular
process. Anteriorly in the vertebral canal, thick and congested
(black) veins are visible. The thecal sac is flattened from the
sides but has a much wider diameter in this less mobile portion of
the motion segment and the thin cauda equina roots are surrounded by
CSF. |
©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/