Spine surgeons should consider restoration of disc height in patients with foraminal stenosis because the disc height and slip percentage can have an effect on the invertebral foramen area, according to an article published in Spine.
Researchers studied the invertebral foramens of L5 vertebra and sacrum cadavers. Plasticene molds of the foramens were made and the volume of each mold was measured. Researchers found that as the disc height decreased, slip percentage increased, producing a reduced foramen area.
Researchers concluded that the disc height and slip percentage had the largest effect on the invertebral foramen area while slip angle changes had less of an effect on the area.
Read the abstract about invertebral foramen size.
Read other coverage on spine surgery:
- Study: 85% of BMP Procedures Between 2002 and 2007 Used for Off-Label Applications
- Spine Surgery Research Update: Biologics in Spine Surgery
- Nutrition Program Decreases Infection Among Older Spinal Surgery Patients
Researchers studied the invertebral foramens of L5 vertebra and sacrum cadavers. Plasticene molds of the foramens were made and the volume of each mold was measured. Researchers found that as the disc height decreased, slip percentage increased, producing a reduced foramen area.
Researchers concluded that the disc height and slip percentage had the largest effect on the invertebral foramen area while slip angle changes had less of an effect on the area.
Read the abstract about invertebral foramen size.
Read other coverage on spine surgery:
- Study: 85% of BMP Procedures Between 2002 and 2007 Used for Off-Label Applications
- Spine Surgery Research Update: Biologics in Spine Surgery
- Nutrition Program Decreases Infection Among Older Spinal Surgery Patients