Neural foramen

Neural Foramen

The Neural Foramen (also known as the Intervertebral Foramen) is a key anatomical structure in the vertebral column. It is a passage through which the spinal nerves exit from the spinal cord to the rest of the body.

Anatomy

Each neural foramen is formed by the juxtaposition of the vertebral notch of two adjacent vertebrae. The superior vertebral notch of the lower vertebra and the inferior vertebral notch of the upper vertebra come together to form the foramen. This structure allows for the passage of the spinal nerve, its meninges, spinal artery of the segmental artery, intervertebral veins, and transforaminal ligaments.

Clinical Significance

The size and shape of the neural foramen can be affected by various pathological conditions, such as spinal stenosis, herniated disc, spondylosis, and vertebral fractures. These conditions can lead to foraminal stenosis, a narrowing of the neural foramen, which can compress the exiting spinal nerves causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the areas of the body served by those nerves. This is commonly seen in conditions like sciatica and cervical radiculopathy.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of conditions affecting the neural foramen typically involves imaging studies such as MRI or CT scan. Treatment can range from conservative measures such as physical therapy and medication to surgical interventions like foraminotomy or laminectomy, which aim to widen the foramen and relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.

See Also

• Spinal nerve
• Vertebral column
• Spinal stenosis
• Foraminotomy