THE BLOOD SUPPLY OF THE LUMBAR SPINE AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE TECHNIQUE OF INTERTRANSVERSE LUMBAR FUSION

Abstract

1. Intertransverse fusion in the lumbar spine appears to have many advantages over previously described techniques.

2. The disadvantage of profuse bleeding can be overcome by the use of a Hastings frame and by an operative technique designed to demonstrate constant muscular and articular branches of the lumbar arteries.

3. Coagulation of these vessels by cautery and avoidance of dissection anterior to the plane of the transverse processes ensure that the operative procedure can be carried out with a blood loss averaging less than 500 millilitres.