Humke T, Grob D, Grauer W, Sandler A, Dvorak J
Spine Unit, Schulthess Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
Eur Spine J. 1996;5(3):183-6. doi: 10.1007/BF00395511.
The width of the foramen in the lumbar spine is directly related to the position of the vertebrae. In an MRI study the measurements of the cross-sectional area of the neuroforamen of L4/5 and L5/S1 in neutral position, segmental distraction and compression were calculated. Nine cadaver specimens were investigated and the foraminal width of L4/5 and L5/S1 was measured. In both segments of all specimens the foraminal space significantly enlarged under distraction and decreased under compression. In the L4/5 segment the average relative difference between distraction and compression was 27%.
