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Intervertebral foramina

The intervertebral foramina (neural foramina) are paired openings located on the lateral aspects of the vertebral column, formed between adjacent vertebrae. Each foramen provides a passageway between the spinal canal and the extravertebral space, serving as the outlet for spinal structures.

Anatomically, each intervertebral foramen is bounded:

  • Superiorly and inferiorly by the pedicles of adjacent vertebrae

  • Anteriorly by the vertebral body and intervertebral disc

  • Posteriorly by the articular facets and the ligamentum flavum

The foramina vary in size and orientation along the spine:

  • In the cervical region, they are oriented obliquely and directed anteriorly and laterally

  • In the thoracic region, they are smaller and less clinically accessible

  • In the lumbar region, they are larger and more vertically oriented

The foramina are clinically significant as they are common sites of stenosis or impingement due to degenerative changes, disc herniation, facet hypertrophy, ligament thickening, or osteophyte formation, leading to radiculopathy.

Synonyms

  • Neural foramina

  • Intervertebral canal

  • Foramina intervertebralia

Function

  • Act as conduits between the spinal canal and peripheral structures

  • Allow passage of neural and vascular structures (though not detailed here as per your request)

  • Maintain mobility and stability of the spine by adapting to disc and facet alignment

  • Serve as important landmarks in spinal imaging and surgery

CT Appearance (Sagittal Imaging Focus)

Non-contrast CT:

  • Intervertebral foramina appear as oval to slit-like openings between vertebral pedicles

  • Bony margins are sharply delineated, including vertebral body anteriorly and facet joint posteriorly

  • Disc protrusions, osteophytes, or facet hypertrophy causing foraminal narrowing are well visualized

CT Sagittal Reconstructions:

  • Provide a clear longitudinal view of foraminal height, width, and anteroposterior diameter

  • Identify foraminal stenosis, disc herniations, spondylolisthesis, and osteophyte encroachment

  • Demonstrates loss of foraminal fat plane in advanced stenosis

  • Particularly useful in lumbar spine for surgical planning and preoperative evaluation

CT Post-Contrast (when used):

  • Enhances surrounding soft tissues, making it easier to differentiate mass lesions or inflammatory changes compressing the foramen

  • Useful in evaluating tumors, infections, or vascular malformations near the foramen

MRI images

Intervertebral foramina mri sagittal

MRI images

Intervertebral foramina mri axial

MRI images

Intervertebral foraminamri coronal

CT images

Intervertebral foramina ct sagittal image -img-00000-00000

CT images

Intervertebral foramina ct axial image -img-00000-00000