Microarteriography of the cadaveric human lumbar spine. Evaluation of a new technique of injection in the anastomotic arterial system.

The theory and practice of a new technique of microarteriographic injection, which depends on the development of a resistance to outflow in anastomoses, are described, using 18 human cadaver lumbar spines. Histology demonstrated that this technique injected 90 per cent (SD 6%) of arterial vessels, which was significantly better than another technique. Possible reasons for not achieving 100 per cent injection are discussed. This technique may form a basis for the radiographic evaluation of the vertebral microcirculation.