Neurovascular distribution around the multifidus muscles in the low back and its clinical implications / 局解手术学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the neurovascular distribution around multifidus muscles in the low back and its clinical significance via regional dissection.Methods Five cadavers were dissected in the low back.The anatomical relationships between the longissimus thoracis,iliocostalis and the start-stop,direction and position of multifidus muscles were observed.Branches,distribution and the characteristics of the erector spinae muscle,the lateral branches of spinal nerves and blood vessels were examined.Then measured the distances from the emerging point of the lateral cutaneous branches of spinal nerves to the spinous processes.Results After removed the deep fascia,the longissimus thoracis was found medially and the iliocostalis was found laterally.The muhifidus muscles located deeply to the longissimus and the iliocostalis muscles.The lateral branches of the posterior rami of the spinal nerves and the dorsal branches of lumbar blood vessels run in the multifidus muscle gaps.Conclusion The multifidus muscle gaps contain plenty of neurovascular bundles.Surgery involving the low back often takes the advantage of the gaps between multifidus muscles.Therefore,surgeons should take caution to avoid damaging the lateral branches of the posterior rami of the spinal nerves and the dorsal branches of lumbar vessels during low back surgery.