Related Experiment Videos
Correlative measurement of anterior margin of the anulus for surgical planning
T S Lewis1, C F Lanzieri, R W Hardy
1Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Study Design:
This study was a retrospective anatomic correlation of intervertebral disc dimensions with current surgical guidelines.
Objectives:
To develop safer guidelines for disc instrumentation.
Summary Of Background Data:
Anterior perforation of the anulus fibrosus and injury to intra-abdominal structures is a known complication of lumbar discectomy. Coplanar magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar intervertebral discs could decrease the rate of complication using axial 11-weighted scans.
Methods:
Three measurements through the intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine were taken in 50 patients. These were correlated with current surgical guidelines for lumbar instrumentation.
Results:
Most of the measurements exceeded the current suggested guidelines for instrumentation at 3 cm.
Conclusions:
Current guidelines for introduction of instruments into the lumbar disc spaces should be reevaluated. Appropriate measurements should be made on an individual basis.