• T W Bojadsen, E S Silva, A J Rodrigues, and A C Amadio.
• Laboratory of Biomechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Såo Paulo, Av. Prof. Mello Morais 65, 05508 900, Såo Paulo, Brazil. thaiswab@usp.br
• J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2000 Jun 1; 10 (3): 143-9.

AbstractImbalance of Mm. Multifidi may play a role in spinal disorders such as scoliosis in the thoracic spine, and lumbar disc herniation and lower back pain in the lumbar spine. Even though changes in these muscles are related to the etiology of these disorders, their anatomy is still poorly understood, especially in the upper regions of the spine. With the aim of gaining a better understanding of the anatomy of Mm. Multifidi in the lumbar and thoracic spine, 12 fresh and two embalmed cadavers were dissected. Our results indicate that Mm. Multifidi present differences in lumbar and thoracic spines concerning their deepness, fibre trajectory, muscle length, muscle mass and tendinous tissue. In the lumbar spine Mm. Multifidi are a superficial, thick and fleshy mass, and their fibres are more vertical in relation to the spinous processes. In the thoracic spine Mm. Multifidi are deeper, thinner, and their fibres are more tendinous and oblique than in the lumbar spine. These differences have implications on Mm. Multifidi architecture and consequently for their function in these two regions of the spine.

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