Injuries to the lumbar region can result in some loss of function in the hips, legs, and bladder control. The sacral region, which includes vertebrae S1-S5, contains the sacrum—a large, triangular-shaped bone made up of five fused bones that protect the pelvic organs. An Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) procedure often involves the intervertebral disc between the L5 vertebra and the highest vertebra of the sacral spine (S1), which includes the sacrum and coccyx (tailbone).
The neural foramina are identified by the vertebrae that are above and below them—for instance, the L5-S1 neuroforamen sits between the L5 and S1 vertebrae. Spinous processes, forming the most posterior aspect of the spinal column, are palpable on examination. The nerves exit the canal at individual vertebral levels and converge to form named nerves, such as the sciatic nerve, which is comprised of the L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3 nerves.
Scoliosis is a lateral (or sideways) curvature of the spine in one or more places, which is different from kyphosis, a condition where the spine has an abnormal forward-oriented curvature. Adult scoliosis refers to this curvature in individuals past the age of skeletal maturity. In contrast, the lumbar spine refers to the segment of your spine containing the five spinal vertebrae (L1 to L5) of the lower back.
The University of Michigan Spine Surgery Program provides state-of-the-art, comprehensive, patient-centered services to individuals affected by spinal disorders that may require surgical intervention. Reasons for a Cervical Laminoforaminotomy, a procedure usually reserved for relieving pain caused by pinched nerves, often include neck and back pain. However, most neck and back pain can be relieved with medications and physical therapy, without the need for surgery.
An illustration of a cross-section of the spine, showing both dorsal (back to front) and lateral (side) views, highlights its vertebral sections. Those seeking treatment for spinal stenosis can find a doctor specializing in this condition at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS).
For more information on spine disorders such as lumbar spondylosis and degeneration, you can visit the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Neurosciences’ webpage on spine disorders and back pain. To understand more about ALIF surgery, HSS provides detailed information on anterior lumbar interbody fusion spine surgery. Examination of joints, including those in the spinal column, is elaborated by UC San Diego’s Clinical Medicine department, which can be found here.
Questions regarding disc herniations in the lumbar spine are answered in an FAQ format by HSS at their disc herniations FAQs. Adult scoliosis and its implications are further discussed on the HSS website here. Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF), another surgical option, is detailed by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Neurosciences’ webpage on TLIF.
Comprehensive information about spine surgery programs can be acquired by contacting the University of Michigan’s department of neurosurgery or visiting their spine surgery program. Additionally, cervical laminoforaminotomy and its reasons are explained on the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Neurosciences’ webpage, available here. Finally, those affected by lumbar spinal stenosis can find valuable resources and expert physicians at HSS’s page dedicated to lumbar spinal stenosis.
