Abstract:

Objective　To study the significance of the thoracic intervertebral foramina ligaments in adults.　Methods　The thoracic intervertebral foramina ligaments were dissected and observed in 15 cases of the adult cadavers. The related data were measured with vernir caliper.　Results　No superior transforaminal ligaments and corportransverse ligaments were found in all specimens. No inferior transforaminal ligaments were found in T1. The inferior transforaminal ligaments were found in T2~T12. And their occurrence rates were 6.7%、16.7%、30.0%、43.3%、50.0%、83.3%、82.1%、84.6%、83.3%、87.5%、95.5% respectively in T2 ~T12.  Conclusions　The thoracic intervertebral foramina ligaments are the normal components of the thoracic intervertebral foramen in adults. They may be cut when they press the thoracic nerve roots because of thickening and calcification.

Key words: Thoracic vertebrae,   , Interverbral foramen, Thoracic intervertebral foramina ligaments, Applied anatomy, Thoracic disc hemiation