Orthopädische Universitätsklinik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
Eur Spine J. 2012 Aug;21(8):1479-82. doi: 10.1007/s00586-011-2139-1.
Free disc fragments end often up in the concavity of the anterior epidural space. This space consists of two compartments. The discrepancy between the impressive magnetic resonance imaging findings, clinical symptoms in patients and the problem of treatment options led us to the anatomical determination of anterior epidural space volumes.
For the first time, the left and right anterior epidural volume between the peridural membrane and the posterior concavity of the lumbar vertebral bodies L3-S1 were determined for each segment. A CT scan and a polyester resin injection were used for the in vitro measurements.
The volumes determined in human cadavers using this method ranged from 0.23 ccm for L3 to 0.34 ccm for L5. The CT concavity volume determination showed this increase in volume from cranial to caudal, as well.
This volume is large enough to hold average-sized slipped discs without causing neurological deficits. A better understanding of the anterior epidural space may allow a better distinction of patient treatment options.
游离的椎间盘碎片最终往往会停留在硬膜外腔的前凹处。这个空间由两个腔室组成。磁共振成像的结果令人印象深刻,但与患者的临床症状和治疗方案的选择存在差异,这促使我们对硬膜外前腔容积进行解剖学测定。
首次对 L3-S1 各节段的硬膜外膜与腰椎体后凹之间的左右前硬膜外腔容积进行了测量。采用 CT 扫描和聚酯树脂注射进行了体外测量。
使用这种方法在人体尸体上确定的容积范围为 L3 为 0.23 ccm,L5 为 0.34 ccm。CT 凹腔容积测定也显示了从颅侧到尾侧的容积增加。
这个容积足以容纳大小适中的椎间盘脱出而不引起神经功能缺损。更好地了解硬膜外前腔可能有助于更好地区分患者的治疗选择。