Abnormal Twin Foramina on Fifth Lumbar Vertebra-Case Report

Abstract

Normally lumbar vertebrae in general and L-5 vertebra in particular are devoid of such foramen as explored in this case. Two mutually communicating foramina were detected in L-5 vertebra during demonstration classes of 1st year MBBS students in the Department of Anatomy, AIIMS Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India. This is a unique and rare anomaly having enormous clinical significance in very prevalent lower back pain therefore, the case is worth reporting. One foramen was located on lateral aspect near the inferior margin of right transverse process and the other between the superior articular process and right transverse process equivalent to retro-transverse foramen. First foramen was oval in shape with transverse diameter of 1 cm and vertical diameter 0.6 cm and may provide pathways to vessels irrigating surrounding structures. Second foramen was circular in shape having diameter of 0.8 cm and acts as a conduit for medial branch of dorsal ramus. The knowledge of these foramina is clinically significant to orthopaedic and neurosurgeons, anaesthesists and anatomists.

Keywords

• dorsal ramus
• lumbar vertebra
• retro-transverse foramen
• superior articular process
• transverse process