[Lumbar epidural veins (anatomic study apropos of 31 cases)]

Using 31 corrosion preparations with fortacryl-minium, a new systematization of lumbar internal vertebral veins is suggested. The classical posterior longitudinal vein was not found. An anterior-lateral venous flow, composed of an anterior-internal venous canal and of an anterior-external venous canal was described. These venous canals jointly progress along internal face of the pedicle and leave a wider space between them in front of the exit foramina, to allow the passage of roots. The authors then study the transversal veins, the junction of the lumbar column with the sacral column and veins of the exit foramina.