Morphometric analysis of the roots and neural foramina of the lumbar vertebrae

The lumbar roots and pedicles: a morphometric analysis and anatomical features

“…16,17 Erdem et al concluded that there may be a relationship between the RD and the radicular symptoms that result from pathologies of this region. 10 Our study also indicates that L4 and L5 roots have the largest diameters, which may explain why these roots are more frequently compressed in cases of lumbar disc herniation.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] There have been few anatomical studies of the lumbar roots and their relationship with adjacent structures. [9][10][11][12][13] There are considerable variations in the collected data, which can be mainly attributed to individual variations, different degrees of degenerative change in the spine, and variations in the techniques and materials used in the studies.…”

Roman Chair Back Extension Is/Is Not a Safe and Effective Exercise?

“…A wide array of exercises can be used to help strengthen the lumbar extensors. Compound movements such as the squat, deadlift, and good morning, among others, work these muscles isometrically as a result of their stabilizing function at the spine during exercise performance (7,11). However, because the larger hip extensor musculature must dynamically take on the brunt of the load in these exercises, activation of the lumbar muscles is necessarily reduced, and thus, they may not receive an adequate stimulus for adaptation.…”

“…A key point to recognize is that individuals with spinal stenosis will face this risk with end-range extension, as opposed to those with normal spinal anatomy who would seemingly have little risk exposure. For example, the average space of the intervertebral foramen in the lumbar spine is approximately 8.8 and 19.4 mm in the transverse and sagittal planes, respectively (11). The average nerve root size as it passes through the intervertebral foramen is 3.3-3.9 mm; thus, an anatomically normal lumbar spine would be able to experience a 50% or greater reduction in size during extension without resultant nerve root compression (11).…”

“…For example, the average space of the intervertebral foramen in the lumbar spine is approximately 8.8 and 19.4 mm in the transverse and sagittal planes, respectively (11). The average nerve root size as it passes through the intervertebral foramen is 3.3-3.9 mm; thus, an anatomically normal lumbar spine would be able to experience a 50% or greater reduction in size during extension without resultant nerve root compression (11). However, among individuals with reduced intraforaminal space from a degenerative pathology such as spinal stenosis, this would seemingly present a risk.…”