Research of thoracolumbar spine lateral vascular anatomy and imaging

This study introduces an anatomical basis for surgeries such as thoracoscope-assisted thoracolumbar spinal anterior interbody fusion in terms of image observing and corpse specimen anatomising. The observation of the 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT) image indicates that segmental arteries are visible and run in the central supersulcus of the corresponding vertebral body's side, while the branches are invisible. The distances between adjacent segmental arteries in T(10/11), T(11/12), T₁₂/L₁, L(1/2), and L(2/3) are 23.35 ± 1.48, 25.61 ± 2.08, 29.12 ± 2.30, 32.53 ± 2.18, and 33.73 ± 2.29 (mm), respectively. And the observation by the thoracolumbar spine side of the adult corpse specimens shows that segmental arteries and veins constantly exist and run in the central supersulcus of the corresponding vertebral body's side; each segmental artery has some small branches; the zone between the upper and lower segmental arteries form a relatively non-vascular nerve safe zone, where the intervertebral space (disc) locates. The distances between adjacent segmental arteries in T(10/11), T(11/12), T₁₂/L₁, L(1/2), L(2/3) are 23.34 ± 0.78, 25.54 ± 0.85, 29.11 ± 1.01, 32.82 ± ± 1.28, and 33.71 ± 1.42 (mm), respectively. The safe zone, with the intervertebral disc as the reference mark, can provide enough operation space for surgeries like thoracoscope-assisted anterior interbody fusion and reducing damage to blood vessels as well as surgical complications. Additionally, the arrangement and distribution of segmental arteries can be clearly displayed on the 3-dimensional CT image and the result is basically consistent with that of corpse specimens. Therefore, the 3-dimensional CT image can be regarded as the reference for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery plans.