Applied anatomy study and clinical significance of the blood supply of posterior-lateral region of lumbar spine

Objective: To research an effective way to minimize bleeding in operating of patients with far-lateral lumbar disc herniation. Methods: The branches of lumbar artery were dissected backwards from the anterior edge of intervertebral foramen on 30 sides of adult cadaveric lumbar spine specimens injected with red dye. The origins, courses, diameters of the branches were measured as well as their relationships with the exiting nerves. Results: The lumbar arteries divided branches laterally, posteriorly and medially from the anterior boundary of intervertebral foramens. In the out space of the foramens, the posterior branches located laterally to the exiting nerve and formed an arbor around it. Conclusions: The optimum approach to far-lateral lumbar disc is via a lateral edge of pars interarticularis. After retracting the posterior branches laterally, the exiting nerve can be exposed safely and rapidly.