An applied anatomic study on the anterior vessels and their circum-structure of the low lumbar vertebrae

Objective To provide the anatomic data for lower lumbar spine inter-body fusion through the anterior approach mini-operation.Methods This study investigated 30 human cadavers to record the course,distribution and relation of the anterior vessels and their circum-structure to the low lumbar vertebrae. Results The conflyence level of the common liac vein was consistent.The width of the operation window of L5/Sl disc was in an average of 36.07 mm for males and 34.64 mm for females.Conclusion The anterior mini-operation of the L5/S1 disc inter-body fusion is reliable and safe.However,the operation on the L3/4 disc and L4/5 disc is impossible without significant vascular dissection.