Study of aortic- common iliac bifurcation and its clinical significance

To determine the position of the aortic bifurcation, angle of aortic-common iliac bifurcation in relation to the lumbar vertebra, diameter of distal aorta, length of common iliac, diameter of iliac at bifurcation in cadavers.

The present study was done on 25 cadavers (16 males, 9 females) used for the dissection by 1st year MBBS students. The dissections were performed by anterior approach to the lumbar vertebra. The position of the aortic bifurcation, aortic bifurcation angle were measured in relation to lumbar vertebra. The remaining parameters were measured with the help of digital vernier caliper.

The aortic bifurcation was seen in between L3 and L5 vertebra in all the cases. In majority of cases, 16 (64%), the bifurcation was observed at the level of L4 vertebra. During statistical analysis, significant differences were observed in the mean values of aortic-iliac take off angles and in mean diameter of distal aorta.

The exact location of aortic bifurcation is useful when invasive procedures are performed in the pelvis, laproscopic lumbar discectomy and lumbosacral total disc arthroplasty. The aortic bifurcation mostly found at the level of L4 vertebra in the present study similar to previous studies. The aortic bifurcation can be a reliable landmark for determining the lumbar vertebral segments on MRI or CT.