Anatomical observation and measurement on the foraminal ligaments of human himbar and its significance

Objective: To describe the morphological characteristics of the lumbar foraminal ligaments (LFL). Methods: Macroscopic investigation was performed on LFL dissected from five embalmed cadaveric specimens.Results: The ligaments had been found in all lumbers and in 80% of lumbar foramina. More ligaments laid in the upper lumbar region and presented as flattened bands. The average thick of ligaments was 0. 36 mm. The vertical diameter of the lumbar foramen,nerve root passing pore and nerve root were 17.09±2.92 mm, 11.19±3.06 mm, 4.37±1.08 mm respectively.Conclusions: LFL probably are normal components of the intervertebral foramen. The segmental arteries, plexuses and nerve roots are protected by LFL. With the development of spinal segmental degeneration and the anatomical morphological narrowing of the foramen, the ligaments could be a source of entrapments to the passage of spinal nerves, segmental artery branches and plexuses.