1985 Volvo Award in Basic Science: The Intrinsic Vasculature of the Lumbosacral Spinal Nerve Roots

Minimally invasive techniques in spinal surgery: current practice

“…This approach avoids epidural bleeding and subsequent scar formation which, in turn, may contribute to further venous stasis, neural edema, and ischemic radicular symptoms. [6,40,43,44] In addition, tethering of the nerve root and nerve root sleeves, commonly associated with epidural fibrosis, may become symptomatic when postoperative activities are resumed and exercise programs are initiated.…”

Spinal nerve root compression

“…At the location where these two vascular networks anastomose, the vasculature of the nerve roots is less developed. It has therefore been suggested that this region of a relative "hypo-vascularisation" may be a particularly vulnerable site of the nerve roots (Parke et al 1981, Parke & Watanabe 1985.…”

“…Occasionally they are also found deeper in the nerve root tissue between, or even within the fascicles (Parke & Watanabe 1985). By "T"-like branchings, the arteries provide each fascicle with a number of parallel running interfascicular arterioles ( Figure 5).…”

“…By "T"-like branchings, the arteries provide each fascicle with a number of parallel running interfascicular arterioles ( Figure 5). There are arterial coils and vascular loops present that will compensate for elongation of the vessels in both axial direction and between the fascicles (Parke & Watanabe 1985, Petterson & Olsson 1989. Within the fascicles, (ie., in the endoneurial space), the endoneurial capillaries run parallel to the axons.…”

“…The largest veins, however, do not only course together with the corresponding arteries as in peripheral nerves (Lundborg 1970). Instead they also have a "spiraling" course deeper in the nerve roots (Parke & Watanabe 1985). The veins of the nerve roots also differ from the arteries as they occasionally drain through the spinal dura, out into the epidural venous plexus.…”