Applied anatomy of intrusive operations of lumbar intervertebral foramen

Objective To provide data for intrusive operations of lumbar intervertebral foramen. Methods Blood vessels,ligaments and nerves through L1-5 intervertebral foramen and their adjacent structures on 10 antisepsis corpses were dissected and observed. Results Lumbar intervertebral foramen exit zones were almost sealed with nerves and blood vessels. Two zones relatively lacking blood vessel and nerve (triangular working zones) were sat beside lamina of vertebral arch and the midpoint of the line of two adjacent roots of transverse processus,and upon root of transverse processus. Ascending lumbar vein and linking vein between intervertebral vein and lumbar veins were observed in 12% triangular working zones upon root of transverse processus. Conclusions Triangular working zone is relatively avascular zone. Attentions should be paid to the veins in admission passage zone for intrusive operations of posterolateral lumbar vertebra. Intervertebral foramen puncture is recommended to prick beside lamina of vertebral arch and the midpoint of the line of two adjacent roots of transverse processus. As lumbar intervertebral foramina exit zone is almost sealed with nerves and blood vessels,blind acupotomy is dangerous in this area.