Variation in spatial distance between the lumbar interlaminar window and intervertebral disc space during flexion-extension

Knowledge of interlaminar space is important for undertaking percutaneous endoscopic discectomy via an interlaminar approach (PED-IL). However, dynamic changes in the lumbar interlaminar space and the spatial relationship between the interlaminar space and intervertebral disc space (IDS) are not clear. The aim of this study was to anatomically clarify the changes in interlaminar space height (ILH) and variation in distance between the two spaces during flexion-extension of the lumbar spine in vitro.

First, we used a validated custom-made loading equipment to obtain neutral, flexion, and extension 3D models of eight lumbar specimens through 3D reconstruction software. Changes in ILH (ILH, IL-yH, IL-zH) and distances between the horizontal plane passing through the lowest edge of the lamina of the superior lumbar vertebrae and the horizontal plane passing through the lowest position of the trailing edge of the same-level IDS (DpLID) at L3/4, L4/5 and L5/S1 were examined on 3D lumbar models.

We found that ILH was greater at L4/5 than at L3/4 and L5/S1 in the neutral position, but the difference was not significant. In the flexion position, ILH was significantly more than that in neutral and extension positions at L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1. There were significantly more DpLID changes from neutral to flexion than that from neutral to extension at all levels (L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1).

These findings demonstrated level-specific changes in ILH and DpLID during flexion-extension. The data may provide a better understanding of the spatial relationship between lumbar interlaminar space and IDS, and aid the development of segment-specific treatment for PED-IL.