Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
A Mouse Model of Lumbar Spine Instability
Published on: April 23, 2021
In vivo dynamic changes of dimensions in the lumbar intervertebral foramen
Weiye Zhong1, Sean J Driscoll2, Tsung-Yuan Tsai2
1Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, GRJ 1215, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Spinal Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital and Central South University, 139 Middle of Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, P.R. China.
Background Context:
Previous studies have reported position-dependent changes of the lumbar intervertebral foramen (LIVF) dimensions at different static flexion-extension postures. However, the changes of the LIVF dimensions during dynamic body motion have not been reported.
Purpose:
The objective of this study was to investigate the in vivo dimensions of the LIVF during a dynamic weight-lifting activity.
Study Design/Setting:
This was a retrospective study.
Methods:
Ten asymptomatic subjects were recruited for this study. Three-dimensional (3D) vertebral models of the lumbar segments from L2 to S1 were constructed for each subject using magnetic resonance images. The lumbar spine was then imaged using a dual fluoroscopic imaging system as the subject performed a dynamic weight-lifting activity from an upper body position of 45° to a maximal extension position. The in vivo positions of the vertebrae along the motion path were reproduced using the 3D vertebral models and the fluoroscopic images. The minimal area, height, and width of each LIVF during the dynamic body motion were analyzed.
Results:
The LIVF area and width monotonically decreased with lumbar extension at all levels except L5-S1 (p<.05). On average, the LIVF area decreased by 7.4±6.7%, 10.8±7.7%, and 10.0±8.0% at the L2-L3, L3-L4, and L4-L5 levels, respectively, from the flexion to the upright standing position, and by 6.4±5.0%, 7.7±7.4%, and 5.1±5.1%, respectively, from the upright standing to the extension position. The LIVF height remained relatively constant at all segments during the dynamic activity. The foramen area, height, and width of the L5-S1 remained relatively constant throughout the activity.
Conclusions:
Human lumbar foramen dimensions show segment-dependent characteristics during the dynamic weight-lifting activity.
