Anatomical Topographical Investigation of the Medial Branch of the Dorsal Thoracic Branch of the Spinal Nerve in the Segments T10-T12.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The zygapophyseal joints represent one possible cause for back pain. Therefore, many interventions are targeting the denervation of the facet joints. The aim of this study is to describe the course of the medial branch of the dorsal branch of the spinal nerve and its articular branches to the zygapophyseal joints in the segments T10-T12. METHODS: The medial branches in the thoracic segments T10-T12 were dissected in 20 Thiel embalmed cadavers. An Eschenbach magnifying glass (4.0× magnification) was used during dissection preserving the articular branches. The topography and the branching pattern of the medial branches was observed. RESULTS: The course of the nerves in the segments T10-T12 differed from each other because of the different osseous anatomy of each segment. The medial branch at the segment T10 crossed the tip of the transverse process in 28 of the 40 hemivertebral specimens. In the remaining cases it passed superior to the transverse process. At T11 the medial branch ran constantly through an osteofibrous canal. At the segment T12 the medial branches showed a similar course to the medial branches in the lumbar region. In many cases two articular branches, which arose from the medial branch were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show a considerable anatomic variety at the segment T10. It also demonstrates that the transverse process is an important landmark to encounter the medial branch. Furthermore, the possibility of a double innervation of the facet joints should always be considered.