The Posterior Surface of the Lumbar Vertebral Bodies

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The degree of concavity (i.e., the scalloping) on the posterior surface of the lumbar vertebral bodies was evaluated quantitatively by means of a simple measuring device. The scalloping in the median sagittal plane differed from that in the lateral plane, near the pedicular attachments. In the medial plane, an increase in scalloping from (lumbar) L1-L4 was noted, with a subsequent decrease at L5. Laterally, the concavity deepened from L1-L5, the values here being larger than those medially at all levels. The results are discussed with respect to the anatomy of the dural sac and its contents, and the spinal nerves. Scalloping in the lateral sagittal plane is, especially at the 4th and the 5th lumbar levels, presumed to be caused mainly by pressure exerted by the spinal nerves. The medial scalloping is presumed to be partially due to hydrostatic pressure of the CSF in the dural sac. This pressure will, at the edges of the superior and inferior end-plates, be counteracted by the tractional stresses of the fibers of the discal annulus fibrosus that are inserted at the vertebral margins. This effect contributes to the final shape of the vertebral bodies. The posterior vertebral surface constitutes part of the anterior wall of the spinal canal. Therefore its shape has relevance in cases of spinal stenosis, and some aspects of this relationship are discussed.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: