Venous Drainage of Lumbar Vertebral Bodies: Anatomic Study with Application to Kyphoplasty, Vertebroplasty, and Pedicle Screw Complications.

Background: Bone cement augmentation with polymethylmethacrylate is a reliable method for stabilizing osteoporotic compression fractures and improving fixation of pedicle screws. However, cement extrusion into the vertebral venous system can result in pulmonary cement embolism. The goal of this anatomic study was to identify the relationship between the internal/external vertebral plexus and neighboring abdominal caval system.

A comprehensive review of the sinuvertebral nerve with clinical applications.

The anatomy and clinical significance of the sinuvertebral nerve is a topic of considerable interest among anatomists and clinicians, particularly its role in discogenic pain. It has required decades of research to appreciate its role, but not until recently could these studies be compiled to establish a more complete description of its clinical significance. The sinuvertebral nerve is a recurrent nerve that originates from the ventral ramus, re-entering the spinal canal via the intervertebral foramina to innervate multiple meningeal and non-meningeal structures.

The Lumbar Ligamentum Flavum Does Not Have Two Layers and Is Confluent with the Interspinous Ligament: Anatomical Study with Application to Surgical and Interventional Pain Procedures.

Numerous authors over the years have reported that the lumbar ligamentum flavum has two layers. Our routine cadaveric dissections raised the question whether this understanding is correct, as we always have observed only one layer. Thus, the goal of this cadaveric study was to reevaluate the layers of the ligamentum flavum.