1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Osun-State, Nigeria
2Department of Orthopedic, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Osun-State, Nigeria
3Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author: Dr Saka Olusola Stephen, Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. Email: sakaos@abuad.edu.ng
Online published on 2 November, 2022.
The purpose of this study was to determine the mean lumbar foramina height and length in male and female cadaveric specimens at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife.
A total of 50 cadaveric specimens were investigated, including 25 males and 25 females. The lumbar regions (L1-L5) of the vertebral columns were identified by counting the proper number of nerve roots. Soft tissue was removed from the intervertebral foramina, facet joints, and vertical bone crests directly below.
There was gradual increase of the foramina lengths and heights on the right and left sides from L1-L2 to the midlevel of L3-L4 for both sexes and a similar decrease up to the L5-S1 level. The increase at the midlevel was statistically significant (p <0.0001) in the males and females (p <0.004).
In conclusion, male and female intervertebral foramina heights showed similar pattern of decrease in dimension from the mid-level proximally and distally.
Cadaveric Study, Lumbar, Intervertebral, Foramina
