• Enyi Zhong, Qinghao Zhao, Benchao Shi, Xuefeng Zheng, Qinghui Zhao, Jinchuan Tan, Zihai Ding, and Wenhua Huang.
• *Department of Anatomy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, No.1838, Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou 510515, China †Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 253, Gongye Rd, Guangzhou 510282, China ‡Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, NO. 74 Zhongshan Rd 2, Guangzhou, 510080,China §Shanghai Sunshine Digital Medical Co. Ltd 3DP Cloud Service Model Template Implant Innovation Cooperation, NO.1158 Zhongxin Rd, Shanghai, 201600, China.
• Spine. 2017 Feb 9.

Study DesignA dissection-based study of 10 fresh-frozen human cadavers.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify and describe the radiating extraforaminal ligaments in the exit regions of the L1-L5 intervertebral foramina and to research their possible clinical significance.Summary Of Background DataThe transforaminal ligaments at the L1-L5 intervertebral foramina have been well studied. However, detailed descriptions of the radiating extraforaminal ligaments at L1-L5 are lacking.MethodsEighty L1-L5 intervertebral foramina from 10 fresh cadavers were studied, and the extraforaminal ligaments were identified. The quantity, morphology, origin, insertion and spatial orientation of the extraforaminal ligaments in the L1-L5 regions were examined. The length, width, diameter and thickness of the ligaments were measured using a vernier caliper.ResultsA total of 224 extraforaminal ligaments were identified in the 80 L1-L5 intervertebral foramina, and the occurrence rate of extraforaminal ligaments was 100%. One hundred and eighteen (52.68%) of the extraforaminal ligaments were radiating ligaments, and one hundred and six (47.32%) of the extraforaminal ligaments were transforaminal ligaments. There were 97 (43.30%) ligaments at the superior aspect of the exit regions of the intervertebral foramina, 51 (22.77%) ligaments at the anterior aspect, 44 (19.64%) ligaments at the inferior aspect, and 32 (14.29%) ligaments at the posterior aspect. The morphologies of the extraforaminal ligaments were divided into two types: the strap type and the trabs type.ConclusionsRadiating extraforaminal ligaments exist between spinal nerves and nearby structures. Radiating extraforaminal ligaments may be of clinical importance to surgeons. Dissecting the radiating extraforaminal ligaments before percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy may be an important step in reducing postoperative pain, which may result in significant benefits for patients.Level Of Evidence3.

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