The Dorsomedian Ligamentous Strand: An Evaluation In Vivo with Epiduroscopy

Abstract

Several anatomical studies have described the morphology of the spinal space; however, researchers do not all agree on the presence of the dorsomedian ligamentous strand (DLS), which divides the epidural space. The possible existence of this structure still influences some clinical practice, such as locoregional anesthesia and pain therapy. Since the number of procedures occurring inside the epidural space have increased, this study’s primary objective was to describe the composition of this space through epiduroscopy. We conducted a retrospective analysis of video recorded during epiduroscopy. Two independent doctors performed blind analyses of morphological aspects of peridural space visualized during the procedure in each patient for the maximum possible extension depending on the underlying pathology in the tract from S1 to L1. We enrolled 106 patients who underwent epiduroscopy; 100% of patients presented no medial longitudinal segmentation dividing the epidural channel at any level of the spinal tract investigated, including in the epidural space with pathological fibrotic scars and in those with no adherence. The main finding of our study was the visual absence of any anatomical structure dividing the epidural channel. We report that in vivo, in our experience, with direct epiduroscopy, the DLS is not visible.

Keywords

• interventional pain procedure
• dorsomedial ligamentous strand
• epidural space
• epiduroscopy